What is Asbestos and Why is it a Hazard to Your Health?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of microscopic fibers found in rock and soil. It has been used in many industries for fireproofing and insulation, primarily due to its heat-resistant properties. 

Unfortunately, it can also pose a health hazard if inhaled due to the tiny fibers that get lodged in the lungs, causing scarring and respiratory issues over time. Asbestos inhalation has been linked to lung diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis, which can significantly decrease lifespan. 

To prevent these health issues, you must know the signs that indicate asbestos is present so you can take steps toward protecting yourself from it.

How to Identify Asbestos in Your Home

Identifying the presence of asbestos in your home is important for ensuring your health and safety. 

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Generally, there are five common places where asbestos is found in a dwelling:

• 
  painted surfaces
• insulation materials
• floor tiles
• Pipes
• damaged plaster walls. 

Be sure to inspect your home carefully, paying special attention to any areas of deteriorating paint or surface materials that may be hiding asbestos underneath. 

If you have any doubts about the presence of asbestos in your home, have the area inspected by a professional and never attempt to remove it yourself.

Signs of Asbestos Exposure, Such as Skin Irritation and Respiratory Symptoms

Asbestos may be an invisible hazard, but its potential effects on the body are serious. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms that could indicate asbestos exposure. 

Skin irritation such as rashes, itchy patches, or discoloration can point to contact with asbestos fibers, while respiration issues including wheezing and difficulty breathing can also signify its presence in an environment. 

In addition, chest pain, a prolonged or unexplained cough, or shortness of breath can all be indications of asbestos exposure. Those who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos should seek medical attention immediately for an assessment and appropriate treatment.

How to Test for the Presence of Asbestos in Your Home

It's important to know if asbestos is present in your home because exposure to it can have serious negative health effects. The primary way to test for the presence of asbestos is by taking samples from a suspected area and sending them to a laboratory for testing. 

Generally, these tests are quick and cost-efficient. There are also five signs you should look out for in your home that may indicate the presence of asbestos. 

Knowing what they are can help you spot the warning signs before any laboratory testing needs to be done. These warning signs include cracking or fraying material, physical damage due to wearing or weathering, disturbance due to renovation or maintenance, water damage, and age of material as most items made with asbestos were done before 1980. 

Taking the precautions necessary will help ensure your safety as well as the that of those around you.

When to Call an Expert for Professional Advice on Removing Asbestos from Your Home

It is important to identify the presence of asbestos to ensure that it is removed safely and effectively. If you notice any of the five common signs of asbestos, such as its stringy or fibrous texture, or any material which appears dusty and crumbles quickly, you must contact a professional for advice on how best to remove it from your home. 

Licensed experts possess the knowledge and experience needed for correctly testing for asbestos and safely remediating its effects according to state laws. While it may be tempting to try DIY solutions, doing so can be risky as some methods are not approved by government regulations and can cause additional health risks. 

Hence, it’s best to call an expert who can help provide valuable advice on how best to proceed with asbestos removal procedures.

About Us

Asbestos is a serious health hazard and should be removed immediately from your home if you have a risk of exposure. Let Environmental 911 help you through this unfamiliar process! Founded in 1999, we have been helping residents of California restore their homes struck by any natural or human disasters. Our services include asbestos clean up and lead abatement, mold remediation and fungus removal, and water extraction. To get in touch with us, simply give us a call at (626) 316-6651 or take a moment to complete our contact form. We specialize in mold removal services in Pasadena.