Asbestos is a type of mineral fiber. Asbestos fibers are very strong; they are also heat-resistant and fire-retardant. For these reasons, it is used to insulate buildings. While asbestos is very useful, it has many drawbacks also, particularly its effect on health. When an individual is exposed to asbestos, the chances that the person may develop lung disease go up drastically. This effect is amplified by smoking. In general, the more a person is exposed to asbestos, the higher the chances that the person’s health will be affected. The irony is, the symptoms of the disease may develop several years after the person is exposed to the health hazard. If you own a home or commercial business in Salt Lake City, Park City, Sandy or Provo, Utah, contact us for asbestos testing and asbestos inspections.
What kind of problems can be caused by asbestos?
Asbestos related health conditions are not easy to identify. The three major health effects associated with asbestos are:
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis, which is a serious long-term, progressive disease of the lungs.
- Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that develops in the thin linings of the chest, abdomen, lungs, and heart.
What kind of material can have asbestos?
Many household materials contain asbestos. Here are some of them.
- Wall and attic insulation containing vermiculite.
- Siding and roofing shingles.
- Fabrics that are resistant to heat.
- Patching compounds and textured paint used on ceilings and walls.
- Floor tiles made from vinyl.
How we can help in testing for asbestos
Materials that contain asbestos may release fibers when disturbed, removed improperly, damaged, cut, torn, repaired, sawed, scraped, or drilled. We can assess the condition of your commercial building or home, take samples from suspect materials for asbestos testing, and finally advise you about the corrective measures that you will have to take. If you are looking to remove or even repair the asbestos containing material, we can ensure that the contractor who undertakes the corrective action has followed the proper procedure, including the cleanup. We can also undertake air monitoring to ensure that there is no increase in asbestos fibers after the repair.
It’s critically important to protect yourself and your family from the effects of asbestos in your Utah home. At the same time, it’s just as important to protect your tenants or employees, not just to safeguard their health, but also to shield yourself from lawsuits.
To find out how asbestos testing and inspections are carried out, call Aerolite Consulting today.