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July 2019

Woman Working at Factory

5 Asbestos Facts You Should Know!

By Asbestos in the home, Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Asbestos has become more popular in the news now that regulations and laws are being put in place. Asbestos is a dangerous fiber that is naturally growing. It has been used in construction materials for decades and has been used for textiles and pottery for centuries. Asbestos is strong, heat-resistant, and affordable. This has made it a miracle fiber for all types of items, including construction materials. Below we will discuss 5 facts you should know about asbestos.

Asbestos is Still Being Used

Asbestos is not completely banned in the United States. It can still be used in construction materials. While there are some regulations around asbestos, it is not fully banned. It is still used in some imported items such as fire-resistant materials, car parts, roofing, and other construction materials.

Asbestos-Related Symptoms are Not Immediate

Asbestos symptoms do not show immediately after asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers will stay dormant in your system for up to 50 years! We are just now starting to see an influx of mesothelioma in people that were exposed 50 years ago. This makes asbestos a very dangerous fiber. It cannot be seen, and you will not know if you have ingested it until you begin to see symptoms.

New Homes Might Have Asbestos

New homes have been tested and confirmed to have trace amounts of asbestos in construction materials. As we mentioned above, it is not fully banned, and even with tight regulations, asbestos is still being used. If you have a newer home, have it tested for your peace of mind.

Occupational Cancers are Often the Result of Asbestos Exposure!

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. We have seen miners, construction workers, military, and ship workers developing asbestos-related illnesses. Asbestos-related illnesses are starting to pop up in other types of jobs, as well. While there are laws that protect workers from asbestos, there is still a chance of exposure.

Asbestos-Related Illnesses Affect Everyone- Even Children

While most think only people that come into direct contact are the ones that develop asbestos-related illnesses, but this is not the case. Children are being diagnosed with illnesses from asbestos exposure. People can be exposed in their own homes or through second-hand asbestos from work.

Man removing old floor tiles

Asbestos Abatement – Friable VS Non-Friable

By Asbestos in the home, Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Asbestos removal has become a hot topic over the last several years, as the dangers of exposure have reached more people. Still, people are very confused about asbestos. Is it really dangerous? Should I worry? Yes! Asbestos is a highly dangerous fiber that can lead to death. Below we will discuss asbestos abatement and explain the differences between friable and non-friable asbestos.

What is Asbestos Abatement?

Asbestos abatement involves removing the asbestos-containing materials from the structure so that it will not cause any further problems. This process is completed by certified and licensed asbestos abatement professional, as asbestos removal is illegal if done without the proper permits. Asbestos-containing materials are very dangerous and can expose everyone in the general vicinity. This is why you should only have a professional remove and dispose of such materials in your home or business.

What is Friable Asbestos?

Asbestos is already confusing, but when you start adding words like friable, it becomes even more confusing. Friable asbestos poses the most immediate danger to you. This type of asbestos has already begun to show damage or has become disturbed either through a remodel or age. Friable asbestos has already begun to release fibers into the air, meaning you could already be exposed. This type of asbestos requires immediate attention and must be removed as soon as possible.

What is Non-Friable Asbestos?

Non-friable asbestos is asbestos-containing materials that have not been disturbed and is in good shape. This type of asbestos is still hazardous to your health, as it can become friable very quickly. Non-friable asbestos can become friable through a remodel, demolition, or direct damage to the asbestos-containing material. While it does not pose an immediate threat, it should still be removed as soon as possible. It is a ticking time bomb waiting to happen.

Friable and non-friable asbestos should be removed as asbestos can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. If you have asbestos, consult with your asbestos abatement company to form an asbestos removal plan to fit your needs.

Gloved hand touching insulation

Asbestos in Roofing and Insulation – What You Need to Know!

By Asbestos in the home, Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Asbestos could be lurking anywhere in your home, but two of the more common places is your roof and insulation. Asbestos fibers were used consistently in these two items for decades. These specific mineral fibers are dangerous once they begin to breakdown. This can happen for numerous reasons. Remodels, new construction, and even demolition can disrupt your asbestos-containing materials and cause you to become exposed.

Roofing

Roofs take the brunt of the weather. Your roof essentially protects the interior of your home, so it is built to be tough and able to withstand sun, snow, rain, and hail. Asbestos fibers were a perfect addition to your roofing materials, as it is heat-resistant, very durable, and cost-effective. This made asbestos a miracle fiber to bind with other materials. Unfortunately, it became known in the 70s that asbestos fibers were actually very dangerous and caused illnesses like cancer and asbestosis. Since then, there have been regulations on all asbestos in the United States. It is still used in trace amounts, as it is still not fully illegal. Meaning you could have asbestos in your roofing, and you could become exposed.

Insulation

Asbestos was originally used in insulation for homes and businesses. With asbestos being heat-resistant, it was perfect for insulation. Your insulation comes into contact with water heaters, heating ducts, and the exterior of your home. It needs to be heat-resistant and strong to withstand years or use. Insulation is not a material you often see if at all. It is hidden behind walls and ceilings. Unfortunately, you can still be exposed to asbestos in your insulation. Asbestos fibers are so small that they can travel through your HVAC to other areas of your home and expose you. This makes asbestos insulation very dangerous to your health.

The only way to know for sure if you have asbestos, is through a certified asbestos abatement professional. They will perform an asbestos test to see if you have asbestos on your property. If you do, they will help you develop a plan for asbestos removal. It is important that you remove all asbestos as soon as possible.