A Homeowner?s Guide To Asbestos Testing

In the era of do-it-yourself home renovation, many A Homeowner’s Guide To Asbestos Testing knock down ceilings, tear out floor tiles, and drill new pipes. But they might unknowingly expose their families and others to asbestos, a mineral that is deadly when it’s damaged and released into the air.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used for construction and consumer products in the 20th century. But it is also a known carcinogen that can lead to cancer, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.

When residential construction products made with asbestos become damaged, the microscopic fibers that make up asbestos release into the air and can cause serious health problems in people who inhale them. These fibers are inhaled through the lungs, where they lodge and can build up over time.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Asbestos Testing: Protecting Your Family and Your Home

Several types of materials can contain asbestos, including cement, flooring tiles (vinyl or asphalt), the backing on vinyl sheet flooring, soundproofing material, adhesives, textured paint, and patching compounds. Insulation around oil and coal furnaces, woodburning stoves, door gaskets, and hot water and steam pipes in older houses may contain asbestos as well.

Our Guide to Asbestos Testing provides information on the health hazards of asbestos, how to test for it, where to find it and what to do if you suspect your house has contaminated asbestos. It will also help you avoid the dangers of this toxic mineral and keep your family safe.

Fortunately, most homeowners can prevent their homes from becoming contaminated by taking some basic precautions. However, if you do have an asbestos problem, it’s best to hire a professional who can assess the situation and take samples for analysis. The only way to know for sure whether an item contains asbestos is to have it tested by a certified specialist with specialist equipment and training.