Do you reside in an older property? If so, you may have wondered whether or not asbestos is present in your home. Your concern is valid, which is why it makes sense for everyone who owns an older home to know some important facts about asbestos. Armed with knowledge about the toxic building material, you can protect yourself and your family if it is in your home.
It is found in a variety of building materials.
Some people mistakenly think that asbestos is only found in building materials used for ceilings and walls. This toxic material can be found in other materials too, such as flooring, roofing shingles, and air duct linings. Perhaps you think that it is
Your visual observation is not enough to confirm whether it is present or a threat.
You may have been told that building materials such as popcorn ceilings likely contain asbestos, and you may also have been advised not to disturb the material. Perhaps you routinely perform your own visual inspection in areas where the toxic material may be present. Guessing about the presence of asbestos in your home based on how building materials look could prove to be a deadly game. This is because the toxic material is composed of very small mineral fibers, which are almost impossible to see with the naked eye. The average layperson would likely not be able to accurately perform a visual inspection for asbestos. Some professionals may even find it difficult to accurately determine when asbestos is definitely present based on a visual observation, which is why testing is considered the most accurate option.
There is not a safe level of exposure to asbestos.
If asbestos is present in your home, you need to understand that even a small amount of fibers can do harm if they are inhaled. This is why some people have to leave their homes while testing is being performed. It is also the main reason why you should not attempt to do your own home improvement projects regardless of how small they are until your home has been tested.
An environmental services provider is a good resource to use for asbestos testing. They can also offer you more tips to protect your family. If you decide to proceed with asbestos abatement, they have the equipment and safety training to ensure that the process is performed in an ethical manner. To find out more, speak with a business like ENVIROTECH Inc.
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