Reasons to Get an Asbestos Inspection

Posted by Johny Dean on April 24th, 2014

When you think about the health risks involved by inhaling asbestos, it seems reasonable to plan everything carefully before you start any renovation project in your house. Getting an asbestos inspection is especially required if your house is older and you do not know what materials have been used for building it. But remember to look for a reliable specialist, even though it may seem just a simple procedure.

The risks of being exposed to asbestos include life-threatening diseases, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. There is no safe level of exposure to this mineral. Once it is inhaled and it reaches the respiratory system, the fibers log to the tissue and cannot be expelled by the organism. Even though there are 6 different sub-types of asbestos, none of them is completely harmless. However, it was only in the 1970s when this mineral has been classified as a human carcinogen.

Of course, people who are exposed to low levels of asbestos will not develop life threatening diseases, but they are still predisposed to respiratory difficulties. Moreover, it may be possible to have asbestos in your home without being at any risk. As long as the material is not disturbed, the fibers of this toxic mineral cannot be inhaled. Nevertheless, if you plan to make some changes in your house, it is required to have an asbestos inspection first. By doing so, you can find out whether you must take additional measures or not.

You should search for a reliable consultant that has enough experience with asbestos inspections before anything else. There are plenty of people who can give you the wrong diagnosis just to make you pay more than you should. When it comes to asbestos inspections, the company that you should hire must be accredited by The National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), especially if you want your testing reports to be accepted by the authorities. The asbestos inspection will simply consist of collecting a sample and testing it to see if the toxic mineral is present or not.

Keep in mind that there are several places where you are most likely to find asbestos in your home, especially if it has been built before the 1970s. The insulation for steam pipes and boilers can be made out of an asbestos blanket that can release toxic fibers if it is damaged. Another place where you are more likely to find this material is the cement sheet. The floor tiles and the adhesives used for fitting the tiles may also contain asbestos that is dangerous when sanding the floor. Roofing shingles can also be a source of asbestos in your home, but they are less likely to release the toxic fibers.

Are you interested in getting an asbestos inspection from a reliable specialist? Airsafe is a company that has more than 30 years of experience with asbestos inspections and their specialists aim to provide the most precise and reliable results on the market at a fair price!