Why should I worry about Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral with useful properties. Asbestos possess thermal stability, strength, and good insulating abilities. Asbestos cannot be seen with the naked eye. The bad news is asbestos may cause diseases if it is not handled properly. Asbestos may be anywhere in your home.  Following are places where asbestos can be found in your home:

• Old furnaces or boilers that are insulated
• Door gaskets on furnaces and wood/coal burning stoves
• Pipe insulation that looks white, chalky, and may be wrapped in some form of canvas or paper.
• Wall & ceiling materials that have a rough and grainy texture.
• Roofing, shingles and siding.
• Exterior siding.
• Floor Tiles and sheet flooring.

The above is just few examples of the materials that may contain asbestos.

According to the Occupations Safety and Health Administration asbestos is well recognized as a health hazard and its use is now highly regulated by both OSHA and EPA. Asbestos fibers associated with these health risks are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Breathing asbestos fibers can cause a buildup of scar-like tissue in the lungs called asbestosis and result in loss of lung function that often progresses to disability and/or death.

If you suspect any material that may contain asbestos in your home there are some steps to avoid significant exposure. You will risk yourself if you attempt to remediate on your own. The best way is to leave the asbestos-containing material alone and contact a professional to collect the sample and test it or perform air monitoring.

For more information please contact with Iris Laboratories.