Why Is Asbestos Testing So Important?
Asbestos testing is used to confirm whether or not a certain part of your home has been built with asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos is extremely carcinogenic and can cause cancer, but its great insulation and fire resistance led to its widespread use in some American buildings before the 1970s.
However, there is no way to tell if a certain material contains asbestos without testing it. Because of this, asbestos testing is usually carried out by sampling the material which is thought to contain asbestos, and sending it into a laboratory.
Breathing in asbestos can cause mesothelioma (a very dangerous type of lung cancer), as well as heighten the risks of other types of lung cancer. Another associated condition is known as “asbestosis,” which is shortness of breath caused by scarring of the lungs due to inhaled asbestos fibers.
If you think your home may have been built with asbestos-containing materials, it’s imperative to have it inspected immediately to ensure that the material is safe, and that you avoid these potentially lethal health conditions.
How Do I Know If I Need To Test My Home For Asbestos?
In most cases, homes that were built after the late 1970’s do not contain any asbestos. Asbestos use is even more rare after 1989, when the Asbestos Ban and Phase Out Rule helped bar new uses of asbestos.
However, houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have used asbestos in insulation. Other common places where asbestos may be found include:
- Textured paint and patching compounds that were used in the joints between walls and ceilings.
- Roofing and siding shingles made of asbestos cement.
- Asbestos paper, cement sheets and millboard were often used to protect the walls and floors around wood-burning stoves.
- Asbestos can be found in some vinyl flooring sheets and backing, adhesives, and floor tiles.
- Older homes may have hot water or steam pipes that are covered or coated with asbestos materials for insulation.
- Some artificial ashes and embers used in gas fireplaces may contain asbestos.