Asbestos Testing

Dangers Of Exposure To Asbestos

Many people know that asbestos is harmful, but not everyone knows what it is. At Advantage Environmental Inc, our goal is to educate and protect the public from the potential dangers of asbestos, mold spores, and lead. We provide quick and accurate tests to notify you of the presence of this microscopic threat.

Asbestos is a mineral found in the earth that dates back to ancient Greece. For hundreds of years, this fibrous mineral was prized for its strength and heat resistance. Mining and construction of asbestos skyrocketed, and it was not until the late 20’s that medical concerns began to form. In the ’70s, ’80s, and early ’90s, the Environmental Protection Agency moved to regulate all asbestos products, but a complete ban was not approved, and asbestos is still in many products today. Although there are more regulations and permits implemented during modern construction, it is always essential to have professional asbestos testing done when needed.

Because asbestos fibers are microscopic, they are easy to breathe in without noticing. People can be exposed to asbestos without being aware of it. The miners that are harvesting the mineral, factory workers processing the asbestos, construction workers, and those renovating or demolishing a home or business can all be susceptible to breathing in asbestos particles. People must have homes and buildings tested for asbestos before performing any work, especially those built before the ’90s. Without proper precautions, people can be exposed to asbestos without being aware of it. The long-term effects of this can be catastrophic.

Symptoms of Asbestos

The dangers of asbestos exposure are quite serious. Because the fibers are microscopic, many people aren’t aware of the danger that is present. Prolonged exposure to this mineral can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, both horrific and deadly diseases. Perhaps one of the scariest aspects of asbestos exposure is that there are no early signs to detect it. The only symptoms are from the diseases caused by inhaling the fibers. Most of the symptoms revolve around the lungs, including shortness of breath, dry coughing or wheezing, chest pain, and effects on the pleural cavity, including thickening, plaque, and accumulation of fluids. Other symptoms not associated with the lungs can include abdominal swelling, hernias, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, and clubbed fingers. Because this mineral can have long-term and devastating effects, it is important to have it identified and removed as soon as possible.

Residential Asbestos Removal

When asbestos is identified in a home or building, often, there is the option for repair or replacement. If the asbestos-containing material isn’t damaged, it can be faster and cheaper to repair the area. If going this route, recurring testing or inspection should be completed every 6-12 months to ensure there is no damage. Materials containing asbestos can generally be considered safe unless they are disturbed.
For this reason, it is incredibly important to test for asbestos before remodeling or any demolitions. Once that material is disturbed, the asbestos becomes airborne, and that is how exposure occurs. Removing asbestos takes longer and is a more costly process, but the results can produce an asbestos-free home or building. Because of its airborne and microscopic qualities, the asbestos removal process has many precautions associated with it.

Generally, all HVAC units are turned off and sealed to prevent the air from circulating. The entire work area is sealed off to protect the people and environment outside, materials are often sprayed to dampen the asbestos fibers, and special filter vacuums are used to help clean the area. All asbestos-contaminated materials removed from the area are placed inside air-tight containers and identified with specifically worded labels. Technicians performing the removal wear all of the appropriate safety attire, including a face mask respirator, and protective clothing. The clothing at the end of the process is bagged and disposed of, and the worker’s shower to eliminate any possibility of remaining asbestos fibers.

Asbestos Lab Testing Near Me

At Advantage Environmental Inc, we provide residents with quick and accurate asbestos testing. For most local cases, we can have results back within 24 hours. Our team provides services for residential and commercial buildings, offering surveys, inspections, and consulting. When you need fast and accurate confirmation about the presence of asbestos, call Advantage Environmental Inc! We also provide air quality testing, mold, and lead testing when you need it.

Additional turnaround times for laboratory analysis are available from 2 hour RUSH to as much as five days. Please give us a call to discuss your specific needs and options.