Guest post: The Importance of Asbestos Removal

This is a guest post by Alison Kahan from Asbestos.com

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in thousands of products throughout the 20th century for its heat and fire-resistant characteristics. The toxic mineral was most commonly used for insulation purposes in residential and commercial buildings, boiler and engine rooms aboard ships and trains, and as a protective covering on pipes and plumbing. Asbestos exposure is known to cause mesothelioma, a rare cancer for which there is no cure.

Knowing where to find and how to spot asbestos products is essential in avoiding this toxic substance. The construction industry found many uses for asbestos as it was added to materials such as floor and ceiling tiles, adhesives, cements, siding, roofing, pipeline wrap and shingles.

Since some asbestos products are readily broken into tiny particles when disturbed, handling this material can lead to asbestos fibers being released into the atmosphere. For this reason, it is best not to handle asbestos materials at all because the risk of exposure is high without professional equipment and protection.

If asbestos is in your home, all testing, remediation and abatement of asbestos should be done by a licensed professional. Spotting asbestos products that are not clearly labeled can be nearly impossible with the human eye, so testing is the only way to know if a product contains asbestos. As a result, it is important to hire a professional to take a sample for testing and perform any necessary remediation.

Exposure to asbestos may occur through inhaling or ingesting microscopic asbestos fibers. Since the body cannot easily dispose of asbestos fibers, they tend to remain in the body and cause irreparable damage. If an individual experiences repeated exposure, the fibers can build up over time, often creating a fibrous scarring of the lungs.

Exposure to this toxic mineral can lead to a range of serious health conditions, including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Because there is no cure for mesothelioma, the mesothelioma life expectancy ranges from four to 18 months. Knowing where asbestos exposure can occur and how to protect yourself is essential in preventing asbestos-related disease. If you suspect your home is contaminated with asbestos, you are advised to contact a licensed asbestos abatement contractor for a safe and detailed inspection.