Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was widely used in construction because of its insulating properties, durability, and heat resistance. Today, we now know using materials with asbestos is dangerous, and there are certain things you should know about this material.
- Exposure comes with health risks—Inhaling asbestos fibers can increase your risk of certain health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Symptoms can appear long after the original exposure.
- Asbestos use was common—Not that long ago, asbestos was commonly used in building materials like roofing, flooring, insulation, and ceiling tiles.
- Older buildings still contain asbestos—Many buildings have asbestos-containing materials. It’s important to have an asbestos survey conducted if you suspect your home or building has asbestos.
- There are two types of asbestos—There are two main types of asbestos fibers, serpentine and amphibole. Chrysotile, a serpentine asbestos, is most common and is in most asbestos materials.
- Removal should be done by a pro—Don’t try and remove asbestos materials on your own. Instead, call us, and we’ll perform an asbestos inspection and conduct an asbestos risk assessment prior to removal.