Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that resists exposure to fire, sound, water, and chemicals. It is composed of millions of fibers, which bind together to create a light yet virtually indestructible material.
Asbestos is mined from natural deposits around the world. Once removed from the ground, it can be processed and developed into a large number of products.
Since asbestos naturally resists many elements, it was used in thousands of products. Dozens of industries — and countless jobs — came to rely on asbestos.
Although the military relied heavily on asbestos products for building ships, vehicles, and bases, many houses built in the 1930s to late 1970s contained asbestos as well.
Asbestos was often used to build structures because of its resistance to heat, sound, and fire.
Yet, the benefits of asbestos could not outweigh one major problem: if asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, it can lead to mesothelioma, a deadly and incurable cancer.
The manufacturers of asbestos-containing products knew the health risks of asbestos decades before the public did. Instead of keeping people safe, these companies put profits first and actively concealed evidence that asbestos was dangerous.
Eventually, the truth came out and these manufacturers faced thousands of lawsuits from victims who developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Asbestos could often be found in:
Cabinet linings
Caulking
Ceilings
Drywall
Fireplace bricks
Floor tiles
Furnaces
Insulation
Paint
Piping
Roofing
What Should I Do If I Suspect Asbestos In The Home?
If you believe your home may contain asbestos, it is imperative you do not remove it yourself.
Asbestos can be very dangerous if the fibers become disturbed. Generally, if the asbestos is left undisturbed, it does not pose an imminent health risk. When the fibers become airborne, they can easily be inhaled or ingested. This can put everyone in the home at risk of developing mesothelioma.
You should always contact an asbestos inspector and/or removal specialist if you suspect asbestos in the home.
Today, professionals accredited by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safely remove asbestos materials from older structures.
An inspector will first examine the area in question to confirm the presence of asbestos. Then, a trained removal specialist will safely remove the asbestos and repair the area.
The EPA urges you to contact your local, state accredited asbestos removal service provider.
You want to make sure you hire a licensed professional to ensure they can remove the asbestos safely without any issues.
Once you are able to remove the asbestos in the home, you can rest assured your family is safe and not at risk of developing mesothelioma.
