Test Your Home For Asbestos? Here Are Signs Why You Probably Should

Test Your Home For Asbestos? Here Are Signs Why You Probably Should

Image of an on going asbestos removal.

Asbestos refers to a naturally occurring mineral that contains tightly packed, flame retardant fibers. Thanks to its tensile strength, it was once used in making roof shingles, floor tiles, and insulation around ducts, pipes, and fireplaces. Unfortunately, it was discovered that asbestos poses a serious health risk to home occupants when its fibers are disturbed and become airborne. Breathing loose fibers can lead to lung diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, or lung cancer. The only sure way to know if your house contains such material is through testing. Asbestos fibers are too small to identify without the help of a microscope. That is why you need to hire a certified inspector with special equipment to do the testing for you.

 

Here are signs that you should get your home tested for asbestos:

 

Your house was constructed before 1986

Most homes that were constructed before 1986 used asbestos in the roof, ceiling, floor, and pipe insulation. However, it’s popularity decreased after this year due to the rise in concern about the material’s health risks. If your home was constructed in the 70s, then there is a good chance it contains asbestos. Verify the installation date for textured walls or ceilings, including vinyl roofs for signs of asbestos use in your home.

You have noticed disintegrated duct sealants or pipes

The asbestos material is not dangerous if it is left undisturbed. However, if you noticed disintegrated duct sealants or pipes during a home inspection, it could be a sign that you should test your home for asbestos. Duct sealants are common sources of asbestos, which can become airborne if disintegrated. Fibers that are airborne can be inhaled by people leading to serious health complications.

You have experienced symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestosis

Exposure to asbestos can lead to the risk of having asbestosis or mesothelioma. In case you are experiencing symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestosis, then you should test your home for asbestos. It is hard to recognize symptoms of mesothelioma during its early stages. But after cancer has developed you may have symptoms like wheezing, dry cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, respiratory complications, fever, and muscle weakness. After being exposed, it may take about 20 years before you start to experience symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, tightness in your chest, and nail deformities.

If your house has tested positive then you should seek the services of a certified professional immediately. These professionals are highly trained to remove asbestos safely and eliminate the risk of it becoming a severe problem in the future. Due to its resilient nature and strength, tarps can be used during asbestos removal to cover cracks, windows, and doors. By using tarps to seal off the environment, it can prevent the spread of harmful dust to other areas of your home. Flynn Tarps are top providers of high quality tarps for hire, call us today.

Leave a Reply

Call Now Button