When is Asbestos a Problem and When Do I Need to Test?

Globally, around 90,000 people die each year from asbestos-related diseases. You may have heard of this substance before or even seen it in its various forms around your home. But what exactly is asbestos? And when should you be concerned about exposure? This blog will answer those questions and more so that you can protect yourself from the dangers of asbestos and know when it is necessary to test for it in your home.

The Dangers of Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral, once commonly used in construction materials like insulation, roofing, and flooring. It is now known that asbestos can be harmful to human health if inhaled, as it can lead to severe medical conditions like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

People can be exposed to asbestos in several ways, but the most common is through inhalation. Asbestos fibers can become airborne when materials containing them are disturbed, like during renovation or demolition projects. If these fibers are then inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and cause serious health problems over time.

This adds to the importance of being aware of asbestos and taking steps to protect yourself from exposure. If you are currently renovating or doing construction work in your home, it is crucial to test for asbestos before starting any work. That's where ZenDry Restoration comes in. We offer asbestos testing and removal services to help keep your property and family safe from the dangers of asbestos.

When to Test for Asbestos

The first time you should test for asbestos in your home is based on when it was built. If your house was built before 1975, there is likely asbestos, commonly found in thermal insulation. In 1989, the EPA introduced a partial ban, specifying no new uses of the material. However, while it is less commonly used, asbestos has not been banned outright in the US. The second time to test for asbestos is when you're remodeling or renovating your home. Anytime there's a lot of dust and debris, you should test for asbestos. Long-term effects of asbestos exposure can include cancer, so it's vital to be proactive about testing and removal if necessary.

• The age of your home. Asbestos was common in construction materials up into the 1980s, so any home built before then is likely to have some asbestos in it.
• You're doing renovations or remodeling. Asbestos can be disturbed during renovations, which can increase your risk of exposure.
• You have a family member with an asbestos-related illness. If someone in your family has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, it's critical to get your home tested to see if you've been exposed to the same fibers.
• You're experiencing any symptoms that could be related to asbestos exposure. Symptoms of asbestos exposure can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's vital to get your home tested.

There are many reasons to get your home tested for asbestos, but the most important is to protect your health, and experts agree there is no safe level of exposure. Asbestos can cause serious long-term health effects if it's not handled correctly, so it's essential to get any potential asbestos hazards in your home addressed as soon as possible.

Protecting From Asbestos

It's possible to find asbestos in many building materials that are still common today. To protect your family from exposure to this harmful substance, it's essential to know when you need to test for asbestos. This is where asbestos testing services come into play. ZenDry Restoration is a water, fire, and mold cleanup solution for residential and commercial needs in the north Georgia and metro Atlanta area and we offer services to deal with asbestos.

Asbestos is a toxic material that used to be commonly used in construction and industrial applications. It can be extremely destructive to your health if you are exposed to it, which is why it is essential to know when asbestos is a problem and when you need to test for it. ZenDry Restoration is a water, fire, and mold cleanup solution for residential and commercial needs in the metro Atlanta and North Georgia area. With years of experience, we can help with all your asbestos needs.

Additional Resources:

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-shee

https://epd.georgia.gov/about-us/land-protection-branch/asbestos

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/home-safety/21014901/remove-asbestos-in-homes

https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/epa-actions-protect-public-exposure-asbestos

https://www.osha.gov/asbestos