What Happens if Your Building Has Asbestos?

Discovering asbestos in your home can be a daunting and concerning event, but understanding the steps to take can help manage the situation effectively. Asbestos a mineral fiber commonly used in various building construction materials for its durability and fire-resistant properties. It can pose severe health risks when its fibers are released into the air and inhaled.

That’s why testing for asbestos has become common when buying a home built before the 80s. Here, we will explore the health risks associated with asbestos exposure and the steps to take when you find asbestos in your home.

Health Risks You Need to Know
Identifying asbestos in your home can be very difficult. That’s why ensuring you are asbestos-free before it is too late is important.

Asbestos exposure has been linked to several life-threatening diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Despite these dangers, asbestos can still be found in homes and buildings constructed before the 1980s, when its use declined sharply. These materials can become hazardous when damaged over time, causing asbestos fibers to be released into the air.

Mesothelioma: The Rare but Lethal Cancer

One of the risks of asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, an aggressive and often fatal cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It has a long latency period, which means symptoms may not manifest until several decades after exposure, making early detection challenging.

Lung Cancer: A Deadly Correlation

Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, especially in smokers. The combination of smoking and inhaling asbestos fibers can affect the development of lung cancer, leading to a much higher risk than either factor alone.

Asbestosis: The Chronic Respiratory Condition

Long-term exposure to high levels of asbestos can lead to asbestosis, a chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation and scarring of lung tissue. The condition can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent lung damage.

How Do I Get My House Tested for Asbestos?

Recognizing Asbestos-Containing Materials

The first step in testing your home for asbestos is identifying potential ACMs or asbestos-containing materials. These include:

• Insulation (e.g., in pipes, boilers, and ducts)
• Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
• Roofing and siding shingles
• Patching and joint compounds for walls and ceilings
• Textured paints

Hiring a Professional Asbestos Testing Service

When you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home, it’s vital to hire a professional testing service. These experts can safely collect samples and submit them to accredited labs for analysis using specialized tools and equipment.

Understanding the Testing Process

The testing process begins with a visual inspection to identify suspect materials. The technician then moistens the material and carefully peels or scrapes off a small sample to avoid releasing asbestos fibers into the air. The sample is sealed for transport to a lab, where it is analyzed under a microscope to confirm the presence of asbestos.

Time Taken for Asbestos Test Results

The time it takes to receive the results can vary, but you can expect to have the information within a few days to a week. The turnaround time is influenced by factors such as the lab’s schedule and the clarity of the sample’s condition.

Dealing with the Results and Next Steps

If Asbestos Is Found: What Are Your Options?

If asbestos is confirmed in your home, you have several options for managing it:

• Encapsulation: This involves treating the material with a sealant to prevent fiber release.
• Enclosure: By installing a sealed covering over the material, you can prevent exposure altogether.
• Removal: Complete removal is the most effective long-term solution and the most invasive and costly.

Remember that you cannot stay at home when asbestos is being removed. You will need to accommodate you and your family.

Engaging Professional Asbestos Abatement Services

When dealing with asbestos, professional services are highly recommended, such as the ones at Clean Cut Abatement. Asbestos abatement professionals are trained to handle asbestos safely, following strict regulations to minimize health risks.

DIY vs. Professional Asbestos Removal

While some homeowners might attempt DIY asbestos removal, it’s crucial to understand the risks involved. Disturbing asbestos without proper training and precautions can release harmful fibers into the air, posing significant health hazards to you and your family.

Your Path Forward with Asbestos in Your Home

Finding asbestos in your home can be overwhelming, but with the knowledge and professional support, you can ensure the health and safety of your household. Remember, testing, professional assessment, and action are key steps to managing asbestos. 

At Clean Cut Abatement, we provide comprehensive asbestos testing and abatement services to help homeowners create a safe and healthy living environment. Contact us today to schedule your home inspection and get on the path toward an asbestos-free home.