Homeowners at Risk of Asbestos Exposure during Do-It-Yourself Renovations

Tens of thousands of people all over the globe are avid “do-it-yourselfers”; the sort of people who relish in the feeling of doing their own home repairs and renovations without the aid of contractors.

But these people may have unwittingly exposed themselves to asbestos fibers, and may face a future marred by diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Mothers and fathers around the world who were unaware of the asbestos found in their homes may have exposed themselves (and their children) to dangerous levels of asbestos while performing simple renovations to their home.

Mesothelioma has a latency period of up to 3 decades; by the time it is diagnosed, the patient may only have months to live.

Asbestos was once common in floor tiles, pipe insulation, ceilings, cement sheeting, and as a waterproofing agent in bathrooms and in linoleum.

Despite that ban, Mr Robson said the popularity over the past two decades of DIY and home renovation had made asbestos exposure a risk common to those renovating nearly all homes, including brick houses, in which it was used in the waterproofing of bathrooms and in linoleum weave.

This alarming trend of homeowners contracting asbestos-related diseases is being referred to as the “third wave”.

The so-called first wave took place in the 1930′s when asbestos was first manufactured. The second wave began in the 1950′s when workers were exposed to asbestos particles. Those professions most affected included dock workers, factory workers, electricians, carpenters and mechanics.

The second wave victims are expected to feel the brunt of the diseases between 2010 and 2015. The third wave victims will begin to perish en masse in the period from 2009-2030.

It is expected that many more women will be affected in the third wave than they had been in the past waves.