What hazards should you check for in older homes before removing metal?
Short answer: Older homes may contain asbestos in sheeting, linings and pipe lagging, lead in old paint and some pipework and live or poorly insulated wiring, so do not cut, drill or break suspect materials, test paint if you plan to sand or burn it, have wiring checked by a licensed electrician and use a licensed professional where required, because the metal is not worth any of these risks.
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List Free →Asbestos
Common in older buildings and dangerous if disturbed, so get advice before touching suspect material.
Lead
Old paint and some old plumbing contain lead, which is harmful if inhaled or swallowed.
Wiring
Old installations can be unsafe, so have them checked before any work.
How ScrapTrade Fits In
ScrapTrade buyers do not accept hazardous materials, so keep them out of your listing.
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