If you happen to have property investments in Red Bank or in the surrounding areas of New Jersey, it is important that you know the benefits of asbestos testing. This is especially so if your property was built before 1980 when asbestos was still completely legal. Asbestos-containing materials that are used in construction are a cause for concern for investment property owners. This is attributed to the health risks and complications that come from asbestos exposure. Investors might also be held liable and be made to handle the costs of remediation.
The Harmful Effects of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos refers to a group of 6 minerals that can be extremely harmful to our bodies. It is made up of needle-like fibers that are microscopic and dangerous. Although asbestos might not be harmful if it is left alone, chances are that your property will have to go through some form of refurbishment in the future. In the process of refurbishment, asbestos-containing materials might risk being disturbed, causing the fibers to become airborne.
Asbestos exposure has been studied to cause health problems that can affect your loved ones and yourself. Since the fibers are microscopic, they can get easily lodged in our lungs once they are airborne. In the case of asbestos, prevention is much better than cure because it is hard to remove the fibers once they have become deeply embedded in our lungs. Symptoms of asbestos exposure can range from allergic reactions that present themselves in uncontrollable coughing and chest pains. However, in more serious cases, these patients might also develop mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, as well as the typical lung cancer.
Why Asbestos Testing?
When you engage in any form of improvement to a property investment, always make sure that you contact a reliable professional that can help you to carry out asbestos testing. The professional should give you the assurance that the materials that are being inspected will not be disturbed during the test. If you do not invest in asbestos testing, the value of the items in your home might devalue at a much quicker rate. However, testing would mean that you will be eligible for a much greater cash return from your investments.
What to do Before Testing
Before the asbestos testing can take place, you have to make sure that the premises are vacated with the furniture removed. You will also be required to submit a blueprint of your home to the professional that you hire. Bear in mind that samples will be taken from your property investment and this might require partial destruction of some buildings depending on the layout. You have to be prepared for more aggressive methods of inspection that include lifting carpets and tiles so that a thorough inspection can be carried out. Once the samples have been collected, they will be sent to the lab where they will be tested for asbestos fibers.
Even if you are sure of where the asbestos can be found in your home, asbestos testing is required so that you can find out if the fibers have landed on other surrounding areas. Regardless of the situation, never try to do the inspection by yourself.