What Was Asbestos Used For?
Up until the end of the 20th Century, asbestos was used across the country in concrete, bricks, fireplaces, cement, pipes, insulation, and many other places during the construction of homes and buildings. This material derives its name from the Greek word for "unquenchable," connoting its fire-resistant quality. Despite its wide use, a lot changed in the 1970s when asbestos was found to have terrible health effects in humans after extended exposure.
Dangers of Asbestos
In the 19th and 20th centuries, asbestos was in high demand. Companies had found a material that could insulate steam engines that powered the industrial revolution. Asbestos was used in World War II ships to insulate piping, boilers, steam turbines, and steam engines. However, with its increased usage came adverse health effects, which included the death of workers exposed to its dust. Some diseases suffered include:
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma (cancer that affects the lungs, heart, and stomach)
- Asbestosis (a disease caused by breathing in asbestos dust)
This prompted worker protests for improved health care, with asbestos exposure being front and center. In response to this action, the government in the 1970s held asbestos manufacturers liable for the diseases their products caused. The use of asbestos has since been prohibited to varying degrees in 66 countries worldwide, including the United States. Despite the ban in most developed countries, some companies still use asbestos in manufacturing household ceiling tiles. Unfortunately, asbestos is still commonly found in homes and buildings across the United States.
Asbestos Removal
When asbestos products in the home are disturbed, their particles become airborne and cause a serious health hazard. The disturbance may be due to the aging of the home, flooding, renovation, maintenance projects, and more. Many homes, especially those built before the 1980s, have asbestos-containing materials that their owners may be unaware of. Some of these materials include roofing material and side shingles, attic insulation, vinyl floor tiles, textured paint, popcorn ceilings, fuse boxes, air duct coverings, soundproofing materials, and much more.
The only conclusive way to determine whether your home contains asbestos is by having a licensed professional run a test in your house. Attempting to fish out asbestos-containing material on your own can lead to disturbance of the fibers, which may cause unnecessary asbestos exposure. If a professional confirms the presence of asbestos in your home, it's crucial that you have it removed immediately for the sake of your health. Removing the mineral from your home protects you and other members of your household against asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
Contact DCM Environmental Testing!
If you believe your home may contain asbestos, it's crucial to test for it as soon as possible. At DCM Environmental, we provide Massachusetts and the surrounding region with professional, unbiased testing for asbestos and other hazardous materials. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation! Call us at (617) 481-5782 or fill out the contact form on our website!
