Found in over 3,000 pre-1990s building materials, asbestos will often lurk in plain sight. Breathing in asbestos fibers can result in serious health issues including cancer and lung diseases. So if you are planning to renovate a home built before 1990, as the homeowner you must speak to your contractor about which asbestos testing company to use. While there is an additional cost to identify and remove asbestos, doing this will ensure both the health and safety of everyone that is working on the project.
Asbestos is a natural fibrous material that was once used in over 3,000 building materials between the 1950s to 1990s.
When asbestos is disturbed, either intentionally or unintentionally, it can be released into the air; and exposure can cause major health issues for anyone that is working or living on the property.
Asbestos exposure is the biggest killer of workers and was the contributing factor in 47 work-related deaths just in 2018 alone, or around 36% of all work-related deaths in the year.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to know if you have asbestos in your home, simply because it is often mixed with other materials. But, that being said, if you are renovating or demolishing a property that was built before 1990, the chances are great that it will contain asbestos somewhere on the property. Asbestos is only dangerous when materials containing it are disturbed, so know where to look for it and how it needs to be removed safely.
Asbestos can be found in building materials, which include the likes of vinyl and linoleum flooring, stucco, gypsum board filling compound, loose-blown insulation, paint, tiles, roof felt shingles, incandescent light fixture backings, and even deck under-sheeting, to name but a few.
If you would like to make an appointment with our asbestos testing company, please contact All Construction Services LLC at (610) 673-0769 now, if you live in the Chester, PA region.