Asbestos Information

Asbestos is a hazardous material that was once used in construction. The fibrous form of mineral silicates is found freely in nature and is a known carcinogen when inhaled. It can cause severe respiratory illnesses and cancer if not removed or managed correctly.

If you suspect asbestos in your home, hiring professionals to safely test the material and provide an accurate assessment of the area is essential.

Step 1: Inspection

The first step in the asbestos testing process is to inspect potential areas of concern. Asbestos testing professionals are trained to identify and assess any visible signs of asbestos, including building materials, insulation, or other items that may contain it. They will use special testing equipment like air samplers and optical microscopes to detect any asbestos fibers that may be present in the air.

Step 2: Sampling

The next step is to take samples from the suspected area for testing. Asbestos testing professionals will use various methods to collect samples, including swiping or brushing surfaces or taking bulk samples from materials like insulation. These samples will then be taken to an accredited laboratory for testing and analysis.

Step 3: Testing & Analysis

At the lab, asbestos testing professionals will evaluate the samples collected, using sophisticated techniques such as transmission electron microscopy or polarized light microscopy to determine the presence of asbestos fibers in the sample. Once they have identified the asbestos, they can classify it by type and measure its concentration. The lab will then provide a report on their findings that describes the type of asbestos present and its levels in the sample.

Step 4: Removal

Asbestos abatement professionals are the experts who safely and effectively remove asbestos from homes and buildings. To mitigate exposure risk, they use specialized techniques to contain, encapsulate, or physically remove asbestos-containing materials (ACM). To ensure they’re removing all of the ACM, professionals will often inspect the area with unique cameras and air monitors to detect any remaining material.

Step 5: Air Monitoring

Once the asbestos has been removed, professionals will use air monitors to test the air quality and ensure that it is safe for individuals in the area. Most often, this testing will involve collecting samples of the air with specialized collection equipment and sending them off to a lab for analysis. The testing results will help determine if air quality is acceptable and if all ACM particles have been removed from the environment.

Asbestos Abatement Services is a full-service asbestos removal and abatement company in Salt Lake City, UT. Contact us today to learn more about our asbestos testing and abatement services.

Salt Lake City, UT, homes built before the early 1980s may contain asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that was once used in various building materials because it is durable, fire resistant, and an excellent insulator. Known as a human carcinogen, asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other serious health problems. It is essential to be aware of the dangers and take steps to protect yourself and your family.

Where Is Asbestos Found?

Asbestos was widely used in the industrial, construction, and military fields because of its resistance to heat, electricity, and chemical damage. Some of the common asbestos products used in residential and commercial properties include:
1) Insulation
2) Flooring
3) Roofing
4) Siding
5) Pipe Covering
6) Brake pads and linings
7) Clutches
8) Fireproofing materials

What Are the Hazards of Asbestos?

1) Cancers: Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, cancer affecting the thin membrane that covers most of your internal organs. It’s also been linked to lung, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and ovarian cancers.
2) Asbestosis: This lung disease is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing.
3) Pleural Effusion: This is a condition in which fluid accumulates around the lungs. It will cause difficulty breathing and chest pain.
4) Pleural Plaques: These are areas of fibrous tissue that form on the pleura (the membrane around the lungs). They are usually benign (non-cancerous) but can cause severe chest pain.

How Does Asbestos Testing Work?

Visual Inspection: This method of asbestos inspection is recommended for visibly damaged or deteriorated materials, as asbestos fibers may not be visible to the naked eye.

Sample Analysis: This method involves taking a sample of the material in question and sending it to a lab for analysis. The most common type of sample analysis is called polarized light microscopy (PLM).
Surveillance: This method uses special equipment to scan the area for asbestos fibers. The two most common types of surveillance are transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Asbestos exposure can be hazardous—even lethal—which is why it’s so important to have your home inspected for asbestos if you suspect it may contain this material. Please contact Asbestos Abatement Services today if you live in the Salt Lake City area and need an asbestos removal service. With our family and pet-friendly services, you protect yourself and your family from the dangers of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos-related deaths have remained constant over the last decade and are predicted to remain stable. This is not good news, as we all hope for a decrease in the number of deaths caused by the dangerous fiber. This alone should answer the question about asbestos still being a concern. Asbestos will remain a concern until it is completely banned and all properties are clear from asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos In Buildings

Many older buildings are receiving facelifts and being transformed into more modern-looking buildings. This is exceptionally dangerous because the older buildings still contain some materials with asbestos. This makes the commercial properties hazardous to employees and clients. Unfortunately, older buildings are not the only concern, as we are seeing newer commercial properties with asbestos. It is important to have all commercial properties tested for asbestos as a precaution.

Asbestos In Homes

Older homes usually have asbestos-containing materials. This is no surprise, and we see many people having their older homes tested and asbestos removed. This is a major step in our fight against asbestos exposure, but newly constructed homes are also of concern. Newer homes have been found to contain trace amounts of asbestos. This is a lot better than older homes, but even trace amounts allow for asbestos exposure to you and your family. If you have recently had a new home built, it is best to follow up with an asbestos test.

The only way we will ever be free from asbestos exposure and asbestos-related illnesses is through better education. More education on asbestos can lead to a much-needed ban. If asbestos products are banned, there will be no more properties constructed using asbestos, nor asbestos in any other products. Once banned, we can begin to move forward from the hazardous and deadly fiber known as asbestos.

Asbestos is all over the media, but is everything they are saying true? In many cases, myths are being spread about the hazardous fiber. Luckily, Utah Asbestos Abatement has the truth about asbestos and would love to educate you on the hazards better.

It Is Easy To Spot Asbestos

This is a significant myth because asbestos cannot be visibly seen! Asbestos is incorporated into materials to create a sturdier and more fire-resistant product. There is only one way to know if a material contains asbestos, and that is through asbestos testing. We can all make assumptions based on the age of a home, but it is impossible actually to see the asbestos fibers in products.

Some Forms Of Asbestos Are Safe

While non-friable asbestos is not of immediate danger, it is still a danger to you and your family. All forms of asbestos are hazardous and can cause exposure, leading to illnesses and possible cancer. If a property has asbestos, it needs to be removed as soon as possible!

Asbestos-Related Illnesses Are Contagious

Asbestos exposure causes severe respiratory illnesses, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. It may seem that respiratory illnesses are contagious, but they are not in this case. Asbestos-related illnesses only occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos fibers.

Asbestos Exposure Only Occurs Through Specific Occupations

It was once thought that asbestos exposure only occurred in miners, construction workers, and other occupations where there was asbestos. Unfortunately, people are being exposed in their own homes. This makes asbestos exposure extremely hazardous, as we are now seeing children with asbestos-related illnesses.

Newer Properties Are Free Of Asbestos

Newly built properties are not immune to asbestos-containing materials. It was once thought that only older properties contained asbestos, but since asbestos is not fully banned, we are seeing new homes testing positive for asbestos-containing materials.

As you can see, there are many myths floating around about asbestos. It is important to keep up to date on all asbestos-related news. This helps to protect you and your family from exposure.

Understanding asbestos is an important part of protecting your family. Basic knowledge of asbestos can help you make more informed decisions in regards to asbestos and asbestos exposure. Below, Asbestos Abatement Services will give you a rundown of the definition of asbestos, why it is dangerous, and how to prevent exposure to the dangerous fiber.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber that is found in the earth, which is why many miners have asbestos-related illnesses. There are six forms of asbestos, and each is highly dangerous to your health. The six types are:
• Actinolite
• Anthophyllite
• Tremolite
• Crocidolite
• Amosite
• Chrysotile

Asbestos fibers were used in textiles, pottery, and, more recently, construction materials. Asbestos has been used for centuries and was not a concern until the 1980s.

Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos was mixed into materials to make the materials fire-resistant, more durable, and flexible. It was believed to be one of the better fibers to mix into materials until it was realized that asbestos is actually very hazardous to your health. Asbestos exposure occurs when materials break down, causing the asbestos fibers to release into the air, where it enters your body through your mouth and nose. Once in your system, it latches onto your lungs, stomach, and even heart, where it slowly begins to cause damage to your body. Regrettably, there is no way to know if you have been exposed until you begin to see symptoms, which are usually respiratory illnesses, including cancers like mesothelioma.

This is what makes asbestos so hazardous. It is not visible and can only be found through laboratory testing.

Where Could Asbestos Be On My Property?

Asbestos could be in many materials that were used to build your home. The most common include:
• Adhesives
• Insulation
• Drywall
• Wallpaper
• Roofing
• Tile
• Flooring

As you can see, asbestos could be luring throughout your property. It is best to have your residential home tested for asbestos, as it is not fully banned in the United States, meaning even newly built homes could contain asbestos. Asbestos testing can be completed by a certified asbestos abatement professional, who will help you with any asbestos removal services.