Asbestos
Asbestos is a material that was used in home construction due to its fire retardant and insulating properties. It has since been discovered that the asbestos mineral is very hazardous to one's health. Many older homes will contain asbestos, which becomes an issue when repairs or renovations are required. Sellers are required to disclose if asbestos is known to be present before their home is sold. It is important to know whether asbestos is present in a home before beginning any repairs or remodeling projects. Only qualified professionals with safety equipment should attempt the removal of such materials. Asbestos may be present in insulation, walls, flooring, around plumbing fixtures and more. Breathing in the particles is very dangerous and has been linked to a rare cancer called mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.