Asbestos Testing & Abatement

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, and its fibers are virtually indestructible. This fibrous material is resistant against extremely hot and cold temperatures, electricity, and corrosion. This mineral was mined for good intentions of helping the building industry in America grow. Since this mineral was cheap, very durable, and was such an effective insulator, industrialist combined it with a variety of construction materials.

What are the health risk involved from exposure?

Asbestos is a carcinogen, which means it is a cancer causing agent. These fibers are invisible to the naked eye, and can be inhaled with out you even knowing. Once the fibers are inhaled, they lodge onto the inner lining of the lungs, where your white blood cells (which is the body's natural defenses) start to attack the foreign substance. Unfortunately, since these fibers are virtually indestructible, the white blood cells die causing scar tissue to develop in the lungs. This can further develop into asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Those who smoke have a greater risk factor when inhaling these fibers.

Where can you find asbestos in your home or business?

It can literally be anywhere: from your roof, to attic insulation, to walls ceilings and floor; It can even be wrapped up around your HVAC unit. From the early 1920's to about 1985 asbestos fibers were combined with building materials such as: joint compound, roof insulation, spray-on insulation, pop corn ceiling, pipe wrap insulation, plaster, wall paper, 9x9 or 12x12 tiles, different color mastics (glue), vinyl flooring, cement, and HVAC tape just to name a few. Whether you live on a farm or in the city, if your home or business was built before 1980 it is likely you may have asbestos lurking somewhere.

Why is testing for asbestos important?

Considering all the serious health risks involved with asbestos, it is very important to get professional testing if you suspect you may have it in your home, or business. If your home or business was built before 1990 there is a possibility that there may be asbestos present. There is an even greater possibility if it was built before 1960. When considering renovations that involve the disturbance of materials, ie. demolition, it is better to test for asbestos so as not to put anyone at risk. If you suspect you may have asbestos in your home, or are not sure and would like to find out, please give us a call. Let us help keep you and those around you safe from this harmful substance.