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November 2017

What is the Asbestos Removal Process?

By Asbestos in the home, Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Asbestos was used in the construction of many homes and businesses. Some items still contain small amounts of the mineral. What happens if your home or business contains this hazardous material? What is the removal process like? If your home or business does have asbestos, the process will need to be started as soon as possible, as it is hazardous to your health and can cause cancer and even death.

Asbestos Testing

The first step in the process will be an asbestos test. This test will be completed by a certified asbestos removal professional. This test can tell if your home or business contains asbestos. If it does, you will come up with a plan of action with the company.

You will Need to Vacate the Premises

If there is asbestos inside your home, you will be asked to leave. You will need to take your family, including pets, and find somewhere safe to stay. A certified asbestos removal company will not let you inside the home until all asbestos fibers have been removed

Asbestos Abatement

The next step will be the actual removal of the contaminated materials. A certified team will go through your home removing locating and removing it wherever it may be hiding. They will have special equipment and suits to protect themselves from the fibers. It is important that they handle the asbestos fibers properly, as the fibers can easily move from one room to the next. Once removed they will dispose of it safely. You need special certifications and licensing to perform this type of work.

Asbestos Inspection

Once the removal process is complete, another asbestos inspection will be performed on your home. This is to ensure all the materials are removed and that it is safe for you and your family to return home.  This inspection is completed by a team that has been specially trained in this area.

Common Asbestos Myths

By Asbestos Information, Asbestos Related Illness InfoNo Comments

Asbestos is all over our television and social media, but what is the truth? Who do you believe? Everyone knows the basics of this notorious mineral, they know it is dangerous and can make you sick, but that is the extent of most people’s knowledge. A single fiber can make you deathly ill; this is a fact. Asbestos Abatement Services is here to give you some myths about asbestos and educate you on the truth.

  • Mesothelioma and Asbestosis is Contagious

This is false. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer and is not contagious. Asbestosis acts as if it is a respiratory illness, it is also not contagious. The only way to have either of the above illnesses is through asbestos exposure. Sometimes, a family may have the same illness. This is because they were exposed at the same.

  • Newer Properties are Asbestos Free

This is false. There could still be asbestos containing materials in some newer homes and businesses. The only way to know for sure is to have an inspection completed by a specialist.

  • You Should Remove Asbestos

Never try to remove asbestos. Asbestos fibers can easily transfer from one place to the other through the air. A certified asbestos abatement company should be the only ones removing and disposing of asbestos, as they have the proper licensing to do so.

  • You Can Flush Your System of Asbestos

This is another myth. Once asbestos fibers have entered your body, you cannot remove them. Therefore, certified asbestos removal companies use protective gear and special masks to remove the asbestos.

  • Wearing a Mask Will Protect Me

A Myth! A regular mask will not protect you from asbestos fibers. It can cling to your clothing and even move through your air conditioner vents. The only protection from asbestos is letting the professionals remove it.

Asbestos Testing Prior to New Home Purchase

By Asbestos in the home, Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Are you thinking of purchasing a new home? Is it an older home? Has it been tested for asbestos? These are all important questions to ask yourself. Before purchasing a home, you ask for a home inspection, but have you thought about asking for an asbestos home test? Most people don’t think about it. You have an inspection of the foundation, the structure, and the roof, but not for asbestos-containing materials.

Why Should I have an asbestos test completed?

An asbestos test can give you the peace of mind that your new home is free from asbestos-containing materials. If the home you are looking to purchase does contain asbestos, you can talk with the seller and negotiate. Many times, the seller will take the price of asbestos abatement out of the final price or they will have it removed before the final sale is completed. Either way, you can rest assured that your newly purchased home is safe for you and your family.

What if I Purchased My Home Already?

If you already purchased your home, you should still have an asbestos test completed. You can’t go wrong with an asbestos test.  If it comes back that your new home has asbestos, don’t worry! The asbestos abatement company will work with you to have the asbestos removed in a timely manner. Their first thought is your safety.

Asbestos inspections and testing is an important part of home ownership. A simple test can relieve a lot of stress and ensure your family is safe from the harmful effects of asbestos exposure. However, if your home does have asbestos, it isn’t the end of the world. A certified asbestos removal company will remove the asbestos and ensure it is 100% safe before allowing you back in. Asbestos is a dangerous fiber and should be treated as such.

Basic Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure

By Asbestos Related Illness InfoNo Comments

Asbestos exposure symptoms mimic those of other illnesses. This is one of the reasons it is so hard to diagnose. Especially with the latency period with asbestos exposure. Some people do not see symptoms for 25 to 40 years. This makes it difficult to distinguish asbestos exposure from regular allergies and colds. However, it has been determined that if you have allergies that last all year long, you could have asbestosis or another asbestos-related illness. If you believe you have been exposed to this dangerous mineral, it is important to consult with your doctor so that they can run tests.

Some of the common symptoms of asbestos exposure consist of the following:

  • Tightness of Chest
  • Prolonged Dry Cough
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Chest Pain
  • Weight Loss
  • Itchy or Watery Eyes
  • Respiratory Illnesses
  • Lung Diseases

These symptoms can stem from many different illnesses, making it hard to diagnose exposure. Tests and blood work must be run to determine the cause of your symptoms. If you have any of the above symptoms that have lasted longer than they should, have it checked out.

Severe symptoms of asbestos exposure consist of:

  • Lung Cancer
  • Mesothelioma
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Nail Deformities
  • Finger Clubbing
  • Fluid Buildup in the Neck, Chest, and Abdomen 

Asbestos exposure is very serious and can lead to cancer and eventually death. Asbestos fibers can easily enter your body through your mouth or nose. If you believe you have been exposed seek medical attention. You should never wait. It is also important to have your home tested. If your home does contain this hazardous material the certified asbestos removal company will be able to remove it and dispose of it in a safe manner. If your home does have asbestos, it is important to tell your doctor, so that they can test you. Early detection is important when dealing with asbestos.