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April 2017

Asbestos – The Silent Killer

By Asbestos Related Illness InfoNo Comments

Asbestos is known to be a silent killer. It is not seen without proper testing. It doesn’t make you sick right after exposure, but when it activates, it wreaks havoc on your body. Asbestos is a natural occurring fiber that was used in construction materials because of its many benefits. Some benefits of asbestos are:

  • Fire Retardant
  • Fire-Resistant
  • Durable
  • Longevity
  • Affordable
  • Easily Mixed

While these benefits were perfect for the construction industry, it was later found that asbestos wasn’t safe. Unfortunately, asbestos fibers were highly dangerous and once exposed, it was impossible to figure out when the symptoms would start. Asbestos has been known to lie dormant in the body for as long as 70 years. People exposed 70 years ago are now suffering from mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Asbestos-related illnesses are very severe and eventually end in death for most. Mesothelioma and/or lung cancer is hard to treat when caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestosis has an increased risk of turning into cancer as the illness progresses. With the severity of the illnesses, there is no wonder that there is a panic about asbestos.

People now know what causes the symptoms and lawmakers have gotten involved with asbestos regulation. However, people have been exposed for years including today. People were exposed when the Twin Towers fell on September 11, 2001, and many now have illnesses from asbestos.  Many homes and businesses still contain asbestos fibers in the construction materials. The only way to find out is through asbestos testing. Testing is important if you own a home or business. It is also important if you are renting. A simple test will give you peace of mind, knowing your family is safe for asbestos exposure. If your home or business does have asbestos, a certified asbestos abatement company will work with you to remove the asbestos safely and ensure your home is 100% free from asbestos.

April 28, 2017

Asbestos Abatement- What is it?

By UncategorizedNo Comments

Asbestos terms confuse most people. What does abatement mean? What is friable? What is non-friable? What is asbestos? Even though it is all over the media, it is still confusing. The terms mean nothing if you don’t understand them. Asbestos Abatement Services has all the answers to your asbestos questions, especially what the terms mean.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a fiber that was used in construction because it was flame retardant and was very durable. It was a miracle fiber, but years later, people began to get sick. Asbestos wasn’t just a sturdy material; it was a material that caused cancer and even death. Today, asbestos is banned in many places, but items in homes and businesses still contain the fibers.

Friable VS Non-Friable

Friable asbestos is asbestos that can easily turn into dust and float throughout your home or business. This is the most serious of cases. If you have friable asbestos, there is a large chance you or someone in your family has been exposed. Non-friable asbestos is asbestos that is still in good shape and not broken. It is still dangerous but does not pose a serious threat. Non-friable asbestos still needs to be removed, but you have not yet been exposed.

Asbestos Abatement

Asbestos abatement is a broad term that covered asbestos testing and removal services.  Asbestos abatement companies not only offer testing to ensure your home is free from asbestos, but they also remove and dispose of asbestos. Asbestos abatement services have the proper licensed, equipment, and suits to remove asbestos from homes, businesses, and even older buildings that are set for demolition safely.

If you need any type of asbestos service, call a certified asbestos abatement company. They will be able to handle testing and most of all safe removal of asbestos from your home or business.

April 21, 2017

Asbestos- Why Should I Be Concerned?

By Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Asbestos remains a concerning and hot topic in the media. Why is it still such a hot topic if asbestos is no longer used? The fact is, asbestos is still used in some items. Even though the quantity is low, it is still asbestos fibers and can still make you sick. Asbestos Abatement Services is here to give you the truth about asbestos and where it could be found and what YOU should do about it.

Asbestos can stay in your body for years before it begins to cause trouble. People that were exposed in the 60s and 70s are just now getting symptoms and cancers such as mesothelioma. Most construction companies stopped using materials that contained asbestos in the 80s, but we still see it in homes and businesses built after that time. Is your home or business free of asbestos? How can you find out? Does asbestos look a certain way? Asbestos fibers are so tiny that it blends into whatever material it was used in conjunction with. There is no real way to tell, except from a professional asbestos test.

Where could asbestos be in my home or business?

Asbestos could be virtually everywhere. It was used in many different materials that used around your home. Below are some of the more common places it was used.

  • Tiles
  • Wallpaper Adhesive
  • Roofing
  • Caulking
  • Glue
  • Insulation
  • Flooring
  • Popcorn Ceilings
  • Cords

Above are just the most common. Asbestos fibers were even used in electric blankets, crock pots, and even hot plates. Asbestos was perfect because of its durability and resistance to fire. If your home has not yet been tested for asbestos, call a professional asbestos abatement company. It is never too late to safeguard your home or business. If your home does have asbestos, your asbestos abatement company will help you plan removal. If you think you have been exposed, see your doctor. If your home doesn’t contain asbestos, then you have nothing to be concerned about!

April 14, 2017

Asbestos Exposure and Lung Cancer

By Asbestos Information, Asbestos Related Illness InfoNo Comments

Asbestos exposure is one of the main causes of lung cancer, especially mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is hard to treat and symptoms can become severe and result in death. Asbestos-related lung cancer usually started in the lining of the bronchi, which divides into the windpipe and trachea. Lung cancer caused by asbestos usually develops at a slow pace, however, once it occurs, it grows at an alarming rate, moving into different areas of the body.

The early stages of asbestos lung cancer are usually asymptomatic. It is usually found by chance through imaging tests or other diagnostic systems. Once cancer reaches stage IV, patients develop symptoms such as persistent coughing, pain the chest or lung area, shortness of breath, and blood in sputum. Once cancer has spread or metastasized to other areas, it becomes increasingly harder to treat. Lung cancer is classified in two groups: small cell and non-small cell. Small cell lung cancer spread more rapidly than non-small cell cancer and accounts for only 20% of cases. Small cell lung cancer spreads to other areas easily.  Non-small cell cancer accounts for the other 80% and is slower growing.

If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos, contact your doctor immediately. Asbestos can remain dormant in your body for many years before turning into cancer. Your doctor can run certain tests and check for cancer or any other problems associated with asbestos exposure. If you already have symptoms such as:

  • Persistent Coughing 
  • Crackling When Breathing
  • Trouble Breathing
  • Allergy Symptoms Year Round
  • Pain in Chest
  • Swelling

See a doctor as soon as possible. It is also important to have your home checked for asbestos, as this could be where the exposure originated. A simple test completed on your home can determine if you have asbestos and if so, the best method of removal.

April 7, 2017
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