Skip to main content
Monthly Archives

November 2016

Winter Can Increase Asbestos Exposure

By Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Winter means time for holiday lights, family, friends, and food. It could also mean more asbestos exposure than normal. Most people think of asbestos exposure and think of renovations or construction; this isn’t always the case. There are several ways that one will come into contact with asbestos and never know it. Asbestos Abatement Services has compiled a list of areas and items to be mindful of this holiday.

Older Decorations

Some older decorations could contain asbestos. The fibers are fire resistant and extremely durable. They were used in adhesives and insulation of many items, including holiday decorations. If you have older decorations, it is important to check them for any worn areas. If any of your decorations are worn, you should throw them out. Asbestos fibers can easily spread throughout your home from holiday decorations that are tattered or frayed.

More Activity in the Basement and Attic

Basements and attics are notorious for having asbestos. If you live in an older home, it is crucial that you have the home checked. Holidays means more time spent retrieving items from your basement or attic. This extra activity could cause insulation or tiles to come apart, exposing you to dust containing asbestos. If you have areas that are worn down or just unsure, contact a professional for a simple home asbestos test.

Holiday Lights on the Roof

Your roofing could contain asbestos, as it is one of the main items that used asbestos as part of the materials. Because asbestos fibers were fire resistant and cheap, it was used in a lot of shingles. It could also be in any adhesives that were used on your roof. If you have an older roof and broken shingles, have it checked before you hang any lights. The asbestos exposure could cause you to become extremely ill. You could also transfer the asbestos fibers to the inside of your home through your clothes.

Asbestos Abatement in Older Buildings

By Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Asbestos was used widely in the building of large commercial buildings. Sadly, asbestos was still in materials being used as late as the 1990s. This means your business could contain asbestos and your employees and clients could all be exposed. It is hard to tell if your building could contain asbestos. Many older buildings have been reconstructed to look new again. Many renovations do not include areas that could contain asbestos. What should you do? Asbestos Abatement is here to help with some knowledge on asbestos and older buildings!

What areas are at risk for asbestos in renovated office buildings?

Office buildings often get the once over with new tile and a fresh coat of paint. Yes, asbestos may have been in the tile, but where else in your building could asbestos be hiding? Below are just some of the places that could still contain asbestos:

  • Adhesives
  • Wall Paper Backing
  • Caulking
  • Insulation
  • Roofing

These are all areas that may not have been touched during renovations. Insulation and roofing are two that are usually not even considered during renovations. If you have an older office building, it is important to have it checked for asbestos.

Could these areas cause asbestos exposure?

Even insulation that is behind walls and in your attics could be dangerous. These areas may be hidden, but asbestos fibers are small and can easily travel and be inhaled. The fibers may travel through your HVAC system to other areas of your business.

What should I do?

The easiest thing to do is call an asbestos abatement company. They will be able to handle all your questions and test the building. Asbestos abatement companies are certified and licensed to handle all asbestos. If your building is a bit older, it won’t hurt to have an asbestos test. It could save you much money in the long run.

Winter Illness or Asbestos Exposure?

By Asbestos Related Illness InfoNo Comments

Winter brings a lot of illnesses. Colds, the flu, and respiratory illnesses are all common during the winter. Sadly, your winter illness could be asbestos exposure. Many people are diagnosed with winter illnesses when in reality they are sick from asbestos exposure. Below Asbestos Abatement will help you understand the differences.

What are some of the symptoms that are the same?

Asbestos and regular winter illnesses have a lot of the same symptoms. Some of those symptoms include:

  • Allergies
  • Coughing
  • Fever
  • Aching
  • Respiratory Problems
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy Eyes
  • Fatigue

These symptoms are both from asbestos and regular winter illnesses. How do you find out if it is asbestos or just common winter sicknesses?

Have an Asbestos Test

This is a simple test that is done on your entire home. It helps to see if your home has asbestos and what should be done about it. You should only have testing from a certified and licensed asbestos abatement company.

See a Doctor

If your winter illnesses have gone on for more than a week and are relatively constant, it could mean you have been exposed to asbestos or possibly mold. Either one is very dangerous. It is important if you think you have been exposed to tell your doctor. They will need to run specialized tests.

What are symptoms of asbestos exposure that do not mimic allergies?

Some of the symptoms of asbestos exposure do not act like any other illness. The symptoms are severe and can be life threating. 

  • Swelling of the Neck and Face
  • Crackling Cough
  • Cancer
  • Infections of the Lining of your Abdomen, Lungs, and Heart
  • Severe Respiratory Problems

The above are serious illnesses, and you should be seen by a doctor immediately. If you think you have been exposed or have any of the symptoms above, see a doctor. Time could be of the essence.