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Jason Ratcliffe • June 11, 2024
Understanding Asbestos: The Silent Killer in Your Home
Asbestos might seem like a dry subject, but it’s crucial to understand its risks to ensure the safety of you and your family. Known within the medical industry for its detrimental impacts on health, asbestos has been a silent killer, and despite its ban in the UK since 1999, it still lurks in many properties built before that year.
What is Asbestos and Why is it Dangerous?
Asbestos refers to six naturally occurring fibrous minerals known for their heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties. These features made asbestos a popular material in construction and manufacturing. However, the danger lies in the tiny fibres that can become airborne and inhaled, leading to severe health issues such as lung disease, asbestosis, and cancers, including mesothelioma.
Common Places You Might Find Asbestos
Even though asbestos has been banned, many older buildings still contain materials made with asbestos. Some common places you might find asbestos in your home include:
- Artex coatings: Used for decorative wall and ceiling finishes.
- Fiberboard: Often found in ceilings and walls.
- External fascia boards: Older versions might be made of asbestos cement rather than UPVC or timber.
- Toilet cisterns and drainage pipes: Particularly those installed between the 1950s and 1970s.
Why Professional Inspection is Crucial
If your property was built before 1999, it’s essential to have it inspected by an asbestos professional before undertaking any renovations. Asbestos fibres are only harmful when disturbed, so knowing where it is can help you avoid unintentional exposure. A trained inspector can identify asbestos-containing materials and recommend safe handling or removal procedures.
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos
When asbestos fibres are disturbed and become airborne, they can be inhaled and cause severe health problems. These fibres act like tiny hooks in your lungs, leading to:
- Breathing difficulties
- Lung tissue damage
- Cancers, including mesothelioma and lung cancer
The risk is especially high for DIY enthusiasts and contractors who might unknowingly disturb asbestos-containing materials. Therefore, proper identification and safety measures are vital.
Personal Note: The Real Impact of Asbestos Exposure
On a personal level, I’ve witnessed the devastating effects of asbestos exposure. A close family member suffered from asbestos-related lung disease and ultimately passed away. This personal loss underscores the importance of awareness and safety when dealing with potential asbestos in any property.
What to Do if You Suspect Asbestos
If you think your home might contain asbestos, here are the steps to take:
- Avoid disturbing the material: Do not drill, cut, or sand materials you suspect contain asbestos.
- Hire an asbestos surveyor: A professional can take samples and determine if asbestos is present.
- Use licensed removal firms: Depending on the type and amount of asbestos, licensed professionals should handle its removal to ensure safety.
Cost and Disposal of Asbestos
Removing asbestos can be expensive due to the safety measures required and the decreasing number of disposal facilities. If you’re planning to renovate or purchase an older property, factor in the potential costs of asbestos removal to avoid unexpected expenses.
Conclusion
Understanding the risks and proper handling of asbestos is crucial for the health and safety of everyone in your home. We’ve covered the basics here, but the subject is complex and detailed. For more in-depth information, listen to our podcast episode all about asbestos.
Stay safe and stay informed. Your home, your health, your future – it all starts here.
Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, can pose a serious health risk if present in high concentrations within your home. Despite being colourless, odourless, and tasteless, radon can significantly increase the risk of lung cancer. In the UK alone, radon is responsible for approximately 1 in 100 lung cancer deaths annually. What is Radon and How Does it Affect Your Health? Radon is formed from the breakdown of uranium in the soil. It can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation or other openings. Once inside, the radioactive particles can attach to dust and be inhaled, damaging lung tissue and increasing the risk of lung cancer. Measuring Radon Levels It's crucial to have your home tested for radon to assess your exposure levels. Radon testing kits are available, but it's important to note that they can take several months to provide results. If you're concerned about high radon levels, it's advisable to consult with a radon specialist for professional testing and guidance. Identifying Radon-Prone Properties Older homes, particularly those built before 1945, are more likely to have higher radon levels due to less stringent building codes and the potential deterioration of radon-resistant barriers. Properties in areas with high radon potential, such as Cornwall, may also be at a greater risk. Reducing Radon Exposure Several strategies can help reduce radon levels in your home: Ventilation: Adequate ventilation, including opening windows and doors regularly or using mechanical ventilation systems, can help dilute radon concentrations. Radon Barriers: Installing radon barriers can prevent radon from entering your home from the ground. Radon Sumps: Radon sumps can capture radon and remove it from the home. Subfloor Ventilation: Ensuring proper ventilation under your home can help reduce radon levels. Cost Considerations The cost of radon mitigation measures can vary depending on the severity of the radon problem and the chosen solutions. While initial investments may be required, the potential health benefits justify the expense. More information Radon is a serious health hazard that should not be ignored. By understanding the risks, testing your home, and taking appropriate measures to reduce radon levels, you can protect yourself and your family from the dangers of this invisible threat. Our team cover the topic of radon gas in more detail on the Heal Your Home podcast. The episode is titled " Radon Gas - What is it and is it harmful? ". You can find the episode below, along with links to listen wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.podpage.com/heal-your-home/radon-gas-what-is-it-and-is-it-harmful/ More information on Radon gas can also be found on the UK Government website: https://www.ukradon.org/information/
When it comes to upgrading your windows for improved energy efficiency and comfort, the debate between double and triple glazing often arises. Both options offer benefits, but understanding the differences can help you make the right choice for your home.
Asbestos, once hailed for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, is now recognised as a silent health assassin lurking in many homes. Exposure to asbestos fibres poses severe health risks, including lung diseases and cancer.
When it comes to maintaining a healthy living environment, two often overlooked but significant factors are black spot mould and thermal bridging.
While it lacks colour, taste, and smell, radon poses a significant health risk when accumulated in indoor spaces, such as your home. Understanding the potential dangers and taking proactive measures can safeguard you and your family’s well-being.
Take the strain off your heating
As a tenant you may feel like you do not have the option to consider sustainable improvements to your home. However, in the UK there are several grants and financial assistance programs available for residential tenants to improve their property. Here are some options: 1. Energy Company Obligation (ECO): The ECO scheme offers assistance for low-income and vulnerable households to improve their energy efficiency. It provides grants for insulation, boiler replacements, and other energy-saving measures. Eligibility criteria vary, and tenants can check with their energy supplier or local authorities for more information. - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-joins-with-households-to-help-millions-reduce-their-energy-bills 2. Green Homes Grant Scheme: The Green Homes Grant Scheme was introduced in 2020 to provide financial support for homeowners and landlords, including tenants, to make energy-efficient improvements. The scheme offers vouchers that cover up to two-thirds of the cost of eligible energy-saving measures, such as insulation and low-carbon heating systems. 3. Warm Home Discount Scheme: This is a one-off discount from energy suppliers to eligible low-income households to help with their energy bills. Tenants who receive certain means-tested benefits might qualify for this scheme. The discount is applied directly to the energy bill. - https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme 4. Local Authority Grants and Schemes: Local authorities often have their own grants and schemes to support energy efficiency improvements for tenants. These can include funding for insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable energy installations. Tenants can contact their local council or housing department for program details. 5. Winter Fuel Payment: The Winter Fuel Payment scheme provides a tax-free payment to help eligible older people with heating costs during the winter. While this is not specific to tenants, it can benefit eligible tenants who meet the age and other criteria. - https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment Researching and checking eligibility criteria for these grants and schemes is important, as they may vary depending on your location and individual circumstances.
Improving your home's carbon footprint can save you money on running costs for the property while also increasing the value when considering to sell. Here are a few things to consider: 1. Increasing Demand for Sustainable Homes: With growing awareness of environmental issues and a desire to reduce carbon emissions/reduce energy bills, there is an increasing demand for sustainable homes. Buyers who prioritise sustainability may be willing to pay a premium for homes with improved carbon footprints. It is important to ensure that all works have documentation to evidence they have been installed by a competent contractor and have all relevant warranties in place. 2. Energy Efficiency and Lower Utility Bills: Improving your home's carbon footprint often involves making energy-efficient upgrades, such as insulation, solar panels, or efficient heating systems. These upgrades can lower utility bills for the future homeowners, potentially making the property more attractive and, therefore, valuable. 3. Market Awareness and Buyer Preferences: The value of improving your home's carbon footprint can also depend on the local market and buyer preferences. Some areas or segments of the market may prioritise sustainability more than others. Researching local buyer preferences and understanding the market can help identify the potential value of these improvements in relation to the market value of the property. 4. Long-Term Investment: Even if the immediate financial value of improving your home's carbon footprint may not be significant in terms of resale value, such improvements can be seen as a long-term investment. Lower operation and maintenance costs, reduced energy consumption, and potential future regulatory changes can make a sustainable home more financially advantageous over time. It is important to note that the value placed on a reduced carbon footprint may vary from buyer to buyer. Some may see it as a significant factor, while others may prioritise other aspects of a home. However, in an evolving property market, sustainability is becoming an increasingly valued attribute. Ultimately, by improving your home's carbon footprint, you contribute to a more sustainable future and may appeal to buyers who share the same beliefs and values.
What is a Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Heat your home without the drawbacks As living costs are rising, it is increasingly important to find ways to help manage our finances. One way is to consider how to reduce the heating bills within your home. The following can be considered to help achieve this: 1. Adequate Insulation: Insulating your home effectively is one of the most important steps in reducing heating bills. Insulate the walls, roof void, and floors to prevent heat escape which can directly cause a home to be more difficult to heat. 2. Programmable Thermostat: Install a programmable thermostat and set it to lower the temperature when you are not at home or during sleeping hours. This can lead to significant energy savings without sacrificing comfort. 3. Efficient Heating System: Upgrade to an energy-efficient heating system, such as a modern combination boiler or heat pump. These systems use less energy to produce the same amount of heat, resulting in lower heating bills. 4. Regular Maintenance: Schedule annual maintenance for your heating system to ensure it operates efficiently. It may seem simple but can be very effective. 5. Zone Heating: If possible, divide your home into zones, this can ensure that the heating system can work more dynamically. This is particularly effective if the property is large with multiple rooms. The rooms you are using can have increased heating, where as all others can have a lower set temperature. It is important, however, that all rooms remain heating and ventilated to manage damp, condensation and black spot mould issues arising. 6. Use Natural Heat: Take advantage of natural heat sources, such as sunlight, by keeping curtains open during the day to allow solar heat to warm your home. Conversely, close curtains and blinds at night to minimise heat loss. Thermal insulated curtains can also be utilised to increase the efficiency of this. 7. Energy-Efficient Windows: Consider replacing old, drafty windows with energy-efficient ones. These windows are designed to prevent heat transfer from inside the building to outside air and can significantly reduce energy consumption by improving the thermal efficiency of the property’s envelope. Such windows can be either double or triple glazed. 8. Mechanical Ventilation Systems: Such systems can improve the airflow around a building which can then redistribute heat around a property, helping to balance out the temperature and reduce the need to over use the heating system. Such systems also help improve the air quality within your home. Implementing these measures can lead to significant reductions in heating bills while maintaining a comfortable living environment. It is important to consider the specific needs and characteristics of your home when identifying the most effective strategies for reducing heating costs.
