Could asbestos be lurking in your attic or behind the walls of your home? You can’t determine if something contains asbestos by visual inspection alone. Aside from that, the fibrous, heat-resistant mineral has no odor, and only professional testing can provide the answers you need to keep your family safe.
How Asbestos Can Damage Your Health
The EPA advises homeowners to get damaged tiles, pipes, insulation, or other materials tested for exposure to the toxic substance. There are many health problems related to breathing this substance.
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis (difficulty breathing due to scarred lung tissue)
- Mesothelioma (cancer of the tissues surrounding your lungs)
- Pleural effusion, a type of pleurisy
Why Asbestos In Your Home Is Dangerous
Even though asbestos is relatively safe when in a solid and stable state, any disturbance or damage could result in dust being released and inhaled, which should be avoided. It’s also important to remember that, if contaminated materials are in good condition, it could be several years before you have a problem.
Importance Of Testing
Federal law doesn’t require sellers to disclose whether a property contains the substance. Therefore, investing in asbestos testing prior to making an offer provides valuable information.
Places Where Asbestos Can Hide
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral first used in talcum powder and cigarette filters. It’s also frequently found hiding in construction materials.
- Cement
- Drywall
- Tiles
- Plaster
- Textured paints
- Protective roof coatings
- Siding
- Shingles
- Vinyl tiles
Hire A Professional Asbestos Testing Company
Hire a professional testing company to inspect your property to keep you and your family safe from fibers that may contaminate your indoor air.
- Inspection of high-risk regions
- Taking samples
- Testing samples
- Reporting test results
- Repeating test after removal, if applicable
Call Benchmark Environmental Engineering
Benchmark Environmental Engineering employs experienced inspectors to provide abatement project management, oversight, and air quality monitoring services. If you need asbestos testing or removal services at your home or office, contact us today for an appointment or to request a quote.