While many people know that asbestos is hazardous, not everyone knows whether they live in an at-risk home. The truth is any building constructed before the 1980s should be thoroughly inspected for this toxic carcinogen. The costs of professional asbestos testing and removal far outweigh the possibility of losing decades of your life to cancer.
Dangers Of Having Asbestos In Your Home
Asbestos refers to several naturally occurring mineral fibers commonly used in insulation and fireproofing materials in older buildings. It is known to cause severe health conditions, including an aggressive type of cancer known as mesothelioma. This type of cancer is especially deadly because it affects the lining of the lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal tract and often goes undetected until it has already spread throughout the body.
How Many Kinds Of Asbestos Are Out There?
Six different types of asbestos are present under the EPA’s Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. Each type is classified as either serpentine or amphibole, depending on the shape of its fibers, but all are hazardous to human health.
The Six Types Of Asbestos Commonly Found In Building Materials
- Chrysotile, or white asbestos, is this carcinogenic family’s most commonly used member. It is frequently found in older buildings and homes’ walls, ceilings, roofs, floors, and pipes.
- Amosite is often found in pipe insulation, soundproofing materials, and some cement products.
- Tremolite asbestos can be found in various building materials, including insulation, plaster, and mortar, and it is also sometimes used as a filler in plastics.
- Actinolite is commonly used in the insulation, fireproofing materials, and paint of older homes.
- Anthophyllite is sometimes used as a filler material in fire-resistant fabrics, plastics, and rubber products.
- Crocidolite asbestos is frequently found in insulation, soundproofing materials, and certain types of cement.
Is Your Family At Risk Of Asbestos Exposure?
Not all homes built before 1978 contain asbestos insulation or flooring, but it is impossible to know for sure without a professional inspection. However, you’re at especially high risk if you have a popcorn ceiling, vinyl flooring, a corrugated roof, or vermiculite insulation.
What Should At-Risk Families Do?
If you suspect that you and your family are at risk of being exposed, it is essential to have your home thoroughly tested by a professional. If the test comes back positive, you will need to take steps to have the asbestos safely removed by a qualified contractor. In the meantime, it is critical to avoid disturbing materials containing this deadly carcinogen.
Contact The Asbestos Removal Experts In Monterey County
If you are worried about the possibility of your home or office containing asbestos, our licensed Disaster Kleenup Specialists can help. After thoroughly assessing your property, we recommend insulation replacement, popcorn ceiling removal, or other decontamination services, depending on what we find. Contact us today to schedule a professional consultation.