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From ensuring the HVAC and electrical systems are in proper working order to checking the foundation and septic/sewage for signs of distress, it is easy to see the challenges of being an inspector. Mold and asbestos are both dangers that may be hiding in residences and buildings. Exposure to these toxins are harmful to your health and wellness, but they can also be life-threatening. As a matter of fact, asbestos kills an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 people each year. Because of these risks, it is important to protect yourself during an inspection even if you are not completing the actual cleanup. Here are a few tips to protect yourself from the dangers of mold and asbestos.

Do Your Research

Doing a bit of research before entering a home or building will ensure you know exactly what you could be exposed to. For example, mold and asbestos may be more likely in certain properties.

Contacting the homeowner, insurance company, and county records department can help you determine if a property has been damaged by fire or water. If so, the property has a higher risk of mold growth. Also, if the property has been abandoned for a period of time, maintenance was most likely lacking. Therefore, higher levels of moisture and mold growth may be present.

Older homes and builders built before the 1970s used construction materials that contain asbestos. If you will be inspecting a property that was built in the 1970s or earlier, make sure to protect yourself from potential exposure to asbestos.

Know the Signs

You should always hope for the best but prepare for the worse, especially in cases where there may be mold or asbestos in a property. Knowing the signs of mold and asbestos are helpful so you will be able to offer the owners or insurance company a detailed report.

Mold is easier to detect than asbestos, since the actual growth will be visible in certain areas of a property. There are different types of mold, but a greenish-black growth that builds up on surfaces recently affected by moisture/water is a common type of mold. You may notice this mold growth on fiberboard, drywall, tile, and even stone/brick inside the home.

If a property has mold, you may also notice a strong odor. Many people compare the odor to a damp, musty smell. If you notice the odor, do not continue inhaling, since it is dangerous. Exposure to even a small amount of mold can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

Knowing the signs of asbestos is a lot more difficult, since you cannot see or smell it. However, there are a few things to look for if you are concerned about a property having asbestos.

Again, if the home was built in or before the '70s, there is a good chance asbestos is present. Asbestos was common in the older 9" x 9" flooring tiles used in the past. Also, if you notice white or gray remnants of insulation around uninsulated pipes, asbestos is most likely present.

Protect Yourself

Finally, if you have any suspicion of mold or asbestos, you need to protect yourself before entering the property.

Hazmat coveralls that cover the entire body and head, gloves, and eye goggles are important for reducing any contact to mold that may affect your skin and eyes. A respirator mask is also crucial not only for protecting you from mold but also for preventing you from inhaling any asbestos that may be inside the property.

Even though you may not be performing the actual cleanup, protecting your body and underlying health from mold and asbestos is imperative.

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