Asbestos is a fibrous silicate material that is found in over 3,000 building products including cement siding and roofing, stucco, ceiling tiles, insulation, floor coverings such as tiles and Lino, sprayed and mechanical insulation, textured ceilings, drywall and many other building materials too many to list here and in particular in pre-1990 building materials.
When building materials crumble or are disturbed in case of demolition or renovations, the fibers can become airborne and become a dangerous health hazard. When inhaled, asbestos fibers attach themselves in the lungs. Excessive and prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause fibrotic lung illness.
According to the research that has been done by medical professionals, it shows that even low levels of asbestos in the air can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer.
If you want to carry out an asbestos survey and testing, hire a professional, certified company who employ accredited surveyors trained in asbestos detection.
Should an asbestos investigation be completed in my building?
The asbestos survey can assist in ensuring that you and the occupants of your building or home remain safe with this dangerous mineral. According to the EPA, there is a requirement that an asbestos survey be carried out before renovation or demolition to determine whether asbestos is present.
If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about hazardous materials abatement, decontamination or negative pressure shrink-wrap enclosures and or our industrial vacuum service, please call us on our toll-free number, (888) 296-2499.
NOTE: Due to a conflict of interest, Enviro-Vac does not do surveys or testing for asbestos. We can often recommend reputable asbestos consultants in your area.
References:
https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-exposures-asbestos
