How old is your home? Old enough that you have to wonder whether or not asbestos was used during its construction? If you’re not sure, you may be able to check public records, blueprints, etc. To be absolutely positive, however, it could be time to schedule a home asbestos inspection.
Asbestos fibers are microscopic in nature. They are highly fire resistant, durable, and repel various other kinds of damage. For these very reasons, it was used for decades in the construction of businesses and homes. Sadly, the health risks that go along with asbestos were not fully known back then. Today, these health risks are well documented. The following have been linked to asbestos due to mesothelioma:
- Abdomen lining damage
- Damage to the lining of the lungs
- Detrimental effects on the heart lining
So, due to the dangers of asbestos, inspections to determine its presence should be done by highly trained specialists.
Do You Need A Home Asbestos Inspection?
Asbestos was greatly utilized in home construction from the early 1940s through the 70s. You may not even think to look in out-of-the-way places for asbestos if you have a home that was built during that time. But it could be there!
Residential asbestos sources include the following:
- Window glazing and caulking
- Roofing and siding materials
- Plaster
- HVAC duct insulation
- Wood floor glue
- Some types of linoleum
- Vinyl floor tiles
Ceiling Installation
If before 1978, you had a ceiling installed, it may contain asbestos. Even if, since installation, painting or updating has been done to your ceiling, asbestos may still be present. If you have even the slightest doubt, get an inspection.
Commercial Buildings – Asbestos Could Be Hiding
During commercial building construction, asbestos was widely used until the 1970s. If between the 1940s and the 70s, your commercial buildings were constructed, asbestos sources could include the following:
- Electrical wiring conduits
- Laboratory furniture that’s well outdated
- Heating vessels and boilers
- Including coatings and sealants, roofing products
- Containers for corrosive chemicals
- Pipe coverings and cement pipes
Don’t Do It Yourself!
We can’t stress this enough. Yes, there are numerous reasons for asbestos removal. If you’re planning a major renovation, you may already have spotted signs of damaged or worn asbestos materials. But there are huge risks in doing the inspection and removal yourself. You could accidentally spread asbestos fibers, albeit unintentionally.
It’s great to be a handy do-it-yourselfer. But when it comes to mold inspection and removal, please leave it to the experts.
Asbestos Health Risks
It is not particularly hazardous, just because asbestos is present in your home. Particles and fibers may not be released into the air if the materials are still in good shape. That said, however, associated with asbestos exposure are the following possible health risks:
- Respiratory ailments
- Reduced functioning of the immune system
- Lung cancer
- Plural disease and other lung conditions that are noncancerous
- Asbestosis (lung scarring)
Who Are the Experts?
If in your home or commercial building, you suspect the presence of asbestos, contact the experts and technicians at Iris Environmental Laboratories. We will do a thorough inspection for asbestos and give you a full report upon completion.
We also inspect for mold in homes and commercial buildings. Mold can be just as detrimental to the health of humans and animals as can asbestos – just in different ways.
Contact us today for more information or if you have any questions.