You’ve probably heard those warning commercials on TV and in news reports about illnesses related to asbestos. Beyond just scary warnings we don’t really pay enough attention to asbestos. Many home and business owners do not know how asbestos could affect them. Asbestos can leave people with many questions like, do they have it on their property, what should they do, and how would they know if they had it. To answer these questions and more, we have written this simple guide about when you should get an asbestos test.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a type of mineral found mostly in the United States and Canada. The naturally occurring mineral is heat resistant up to very high temperatures, which made it become a popular choice for people looking to build fireproof homes. Although it was also used in machinery including cars and motorcycles that could overheat. Unfortunately, after decades of using asbestos in our homes, schools, businesses, and vehicles it became clear that the material caused health risks. The lungs can be damaged by breathing in asbestos, especially if it’s somewhere like your home or workplace where you consistently exposed to it for long periods of time.
Signs of Asbestos in Your Home
Spotting asbestos in the home isn’t always easy, but the time that your home was built is a great indication of if you should consider an inspection. Most homes built before 1980 contain asbestos, and some built after 1980s contained it as well (but vastly fewer homes did due to the ban). If you’re living in an old home, it’s safe to assume that the probability of asbestos is higher. The same advice goes for cars and motorcycles.
When it’s Time to Test
If you believe there is a chance of asbestos being in your home, either from seeing it or due to the time your home was constructed, the safest option is to have the home tested. Tests are relatively inexpensive and can give you peace of mind. Testing for asbestos will let you know what type of asbestos is in the home, in what amount, and if the asbestos particles are airborne. Airborne asbestos is the only type that’s considered actively dangerous and the only type that can lead to lung damage. Once you’ve determined that your home has asbestos through an asbestos test, you can’t safely remove it yourself without putting asbestos particles into the air. Instead, you will need to contact a professional to remove the asbestos from your home using the proper equipment. Unfortunately, there are asbestos testers that provide both testing and removal, which can be a conflict of interest. That is why DCM Environmental only offers testing so that you can be assured that our results are unbiased.
Get Your Home Tested with DCM Environmental
If you want to know more about asbestos in your home, get your home tested, or discuss asbestos further, give our team a call today! We have experienced and trained professionals who are able to help you locate and manage asbestos in your home. Every day you wait to have your home tested could mean another day that your families health is on the line!
