Asbestos, which is an extremely fine silicate mineral that may be found in a wide range of building materials including insulation, ceiling tiles, roofing materials and cement, is widely used because it’s highly resistant to heat and flame. The material is also extremely durable and flexible; it’s been used in everything from insulating buildings to marine engines.
Unfortunately, asbestos exposure has led to some very serious medical issues. For instance, since it causes cancer in both asbestos users and the ones who breathe in its fibers, asbestos removal is often accompanied by the threat of lung cancer. Nearly all lung diseases caused by asbestos are the result of inhalation, meaning that it’s very important to be familiar with how you may be exposed and to be sure that proper asbestos removal procedures are undertaken to curb your risk.
Two main forms of asbestos are now legal requirements to be removed or removed: Asbestos fiber and chrysotile. Asbestos-containing insulation is prohibited in most states, making it a necessity for removing this hazardous material. However, because asbestos fibers are so small, they easily penetrate the liner of drywall, which is the most common routes of entry for asbestos exposure. Additionally, asbestos is very friable, which means that it could easily break down and get in to the air. Most homeowners aren’t even aware that asbestos exists in their homes and even less likely that they have any reason to not make sure that it is properly removed.
How do I know if my house contains asbestos? To be able to know in case you have asbestos in your home, you need to take samples and test them by scanning the fibers with an optical device. If the sample reveals a higher level of asbestos, then you likely have some level of exposure to the hazardous material. This won’t necessarily mean that you have immediate exposure to asbestos, but it does mean that you need to consult a professional immediately. Unless you test samples yourself, do as you’re instructed and take samples to an avowed lab.
How do you know easily have a safety issue associated with asbestos? You might have an asbestos-containing home if you’ve been advised by way of a professional that there may be dangerous asbestos present. For instance, if you’ve been advised you have a greater than normal degree of asbestos in your house, you might have a serious safety issue. It’s best to find out right away, so as to take the appropriate steps to remove it and keep it out of your life.
When should I consider using an asbestos abatement contractor? The optimum time to speak to an asbestos contractor will be as you’re still coping with your original problem. The worst thing would be to discover later you had an issue even after you’ve done everything you could to get rid of the asbestos in your home. An asbestos abatement contractor can advise you of the greatest course of action for getting rid of the asbestos in your own home. They’ll review your present worksite plan with you and work with you to create a custom-fit plan for your particular situation. A good contractor will be able to tell you what type of asbestos removal you need, and can show you where it is located in your home to be able to be sure that you will not have to sweep or otherwise disturb it to obtain it out.
How do I choose the right one? It is possible to choose either a general contractor or an asbestos materials specialist, based on which way you’d prefer to go. General contractors are proficient in the best ways to remove asbestos materials, including getting rid of the material from structures such as for example homes and businesses. Given that they have dealt with these issues previously, they should be able to recommend solutions that are effective and safe. Specialists, on the other hand, are trained in coping with all different forms of asbestos removal. Given that they often deal with homeowners and also larger companies, they are often the best choice for larger jobs.
Any kind of health effects from asbestos exposure? Although the short-term health effects from asbestos exposure are often not life threatening, for anyone who is exposed to asbestos for long enough intervals, you can have problems with asbestosis or mesothelioma. Asbestosis is a non-cancerous condition that attacks the tissues lining the lungs. While mesothelioma is a cancerous disease that triggers the growth of fluid-filled sacs in the chest and abdominal area. While these are the most typical symptoms of asbestos exposure, you can suffer from other less common symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, pain in the chest and throat, damage to the lungs and pleural effusions.