Unfortunately, asbestos use has been widespread for many years, yet many people don’t know much about it. Asbestos, that 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 resulted in some very serious health issues. For instance, since it causes cancer in both asbestos users and those who breathe in its fibers, asbestos removal is frequently accompanied by the threat of lung cancer. Nearly all lung diseases due to asbestos are the consequence of inhalation, meaning that it is rather important to be familiar with how you could be exposed and to make sure that proper asbestos removal procedures are undertaken to limit your risk.
Two main forms of asbestos are actually legal requirements to be removed or disposed of: Asbestos fiber and chrysotile. Asbestos-containing insulation is prohibited generally in most states, making it essential for removing this hazardous material. However, because asbestos fibers are so small, they easily penetrate the lining of drywall, which is probably the most common routes of entry for asbestos exposure. Additionally, asbestos is quite friable, which means that it can easily break down and get in to the air. Most homeowners are not even aware that asbestos exists in their homes and even less likely that they have any reason to not ensure that it is properly removed.
How do you know if my house contains asbestos? So that you can know in case you have asbestos in your home, you need to take samples and test them by scanning the fibers having an optical device. If the sample reveals a higher level of asbestos, then you likely have some level of contact with the hazardous material. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have immediate exposure to asbestos, but it does mean that you should consult a professional immediately. Unless you test samples yourself, do as you’re instructed and take samples to a certified lab.
How do I know if I have a safety issue relating to asbestos? You could have an asbestos-containing home if you have been advised by way of a professional that there may be dangerous asbestos present. For example, if you’ve been advised you have a greater than normal level of asbestos in your house, you may have a serious safety issue. You need to find out right away, to be able to take the appropriate steps to eliminate it and keep it from the life.
When should I consider using an asbestos abatement contractor? The best time to speak to an asbestos contractor would be as you’re still coping with your original problem. The worst thing would be to discover later you had an issue even with you’ve done everything you could to reduce the asbestos in your house. An asbestos abatement contractor can advise you of the best course of action so you can get rid of the asbestos in your house. They’ll review your current worksite plan with you and work with you to develop a custom-fit plan for your unique situation. A good contractor should be able to tell you what sort of asbestos removal you need, and can show you where it really is located in your home to enable you to be sure that you won’t have to sweep or elsewhere disturb it to obtain it out.
How do you choose the right one? You can choose either a general contractor or an asbestos materials specialist, based on which way you’d would rather go. General contractors are proficient in the best ways to remove asbestos materials, including getting gone the material from structures such as homes and businesses. Since they have dealt with these issues in the past, they should be in a position to recommend solutions that are safe and effective. Specialists, alternatively, are trained in coping with all different types of asbestos removal. Since they often deal with homeowners together with larger companies, they are often the best option for larger jobs.
Are there any health effects from asbestos exposure? Even though short-term health effects from asbestos exposure are often not life threatening, for anyone who is subjected to asbestos for long enough intervals, you can have problems with asbestosis or mesothelioma. Asbestosis is really 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 region. While these are the most typical symptoms of asbestos exposure, it is possible to have problems with other less common symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, pain in the chest and throat, harm to the lungs and pleural effusions.