Old house residents at risk of asbestos poisoning

The use of hazardous chemicals in modern houses on the wane. But be careful for those who still inhabit the old houses, the threat of asbestos fibers (asbestos) can survive from generation to generation and trigger health problems. The report released by the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) recently said the renovation of old houses often trigger the release of dangerous toxins. Poison in a mixture of old paint and asbestos in the ceiling among them.

Poison in a mixture of old paint and asbestos in the ceiling among them. The lead can trigger brain damage if inhaled by infants and children, so that developed countries have banned its use decades ago. In house paint, the compound was originally used to reproduce colors more shiny and durable.

Although it's not in use, lead is predicted to be found in high levels in old houses in Canada which was built in the 1930s. Toxins can be released when the house is being renovated so that the surface paint peeling or damaged.

Meanwhile, the asbestos in the past often used as a roof or ceiling barrier. Before banned its use in the 1990's, it is estimated there are 300,000 to 400,000 homes in Canada are using these harmful substances.

Asbestos fibers are inhaled off very easily with breathing air and then accumulate in vital organs like the lungs. In the lungs or other organs, the accumulation of these fibers can be a trigger deadly cancer called Malignant mesothelioma.

"If you do it right, we can make houses healthier, safer and more energy efficient," she said. CELA called for tighter pollution controls, more training of contractors and a greater regard for health in designing energy efficiency programmes.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency obliges contractors to do lead-safe renovations on pre-1978 homes, isolating rooms where work is under way and using special vacuums and masks for dust.