Hopefully, someday, we will no longer need to conduct tests for asbestos. For now, however, asbestos testers still routinely discover dangerous sources of potential asbestos exposure.

What is asbestos?

As the Mesothelioma Center explains, “Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals composed of soft, flexible fibers that are heat-resistant. Asbestos is still used in hundreds of U.S. consumer products. Its use is allowed as long as it accounts for less than 1% of the product. Exposure to asbestos causes cancers and other diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis.

When did we know that asbestos was dangerous?

Here’s a Brief History of Asbestos that should answer that question:

• 1924: The British Medical Journal documented the first cases of asbestos-related illnesses, leading the government of Great Britain to enact legislation designed to protect factory workers.
• Mid/late 1940s: The fire-resistant properties of asbestos fuel its gains in popularity in U.S. manufacturing
• Mid 1950s: A link between asbestos and lung cancer is identified.
• 1960s: Mesothelioma, which we now know is the most common form of cancer caused by asbestos, was first diagnosed.
• 1970s: The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as well as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) both limit – but do not ban – the use of asbestos.
• 1989: Another U.S. agency, this time the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finally goes farther, banning the use of asbestos in any new manufacturing. The agency also says all schools need asbestos inspections.

Where can asbestos be found in your home?

In addition to roof shingles and floor tiles, according to the Mesothelioma Center, asbestos can be found in a surprising number of places in your home, including:

1. Brake pads and gaskets
2. Stoves
3. Oven mitts and pot holders
4. Clothes dryers
5. Coffee makers
6. Certain paper products
7. Crayons
8. Amateur crime lab kits
9. Children’s makeup
10. Hair dryers

If you have concerns about possible exposure to this dangerous material in your home, please contact the environmental testing pros at AirMD to ask about residential asbestos testing.

The post 10 Surprising Places Where You May Find Asbestos appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

Homeowners and business professionals in a wide variety of locations across the country have come to rely on AirMD for environmental consulting services, including mold testing, asbestos inspections, VOC testing and formaldehyde testing.  Florida, with its the lush natural environment, subtropical weather and busy international ports, is one of our busiest locations.

According to the Florida Department of Health, “It is thought that most, if not all, heating and air conditioning systems in Florida will support mold growth at some point.” As they also note, not using your air conditioning isn’t a good option – especially in South Florida! Just ask anyone who has tried to sleep through a hot, humid night when the power is out or a business owner who has seen productive take a nose dive when the healthy flow of air is interrupted.

Taking action

So, what should you do if you suspect your home or business may be contaminated by toxic substances like mold or asbestos?

1. The first step is to find a reputable firm that offers environmental testing services in your area. AirMD provides professional mold testing, asbestos inspections and VOC testing in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and many other locations throughout the US. We also conduct formaldehyde testing and have skilled asbestos testers. Our people have expertise in a range of scientific fields, including microbiology, industrial hygiene, bacteriology, mycology, aerobiology, microscopy, environmental science and toxicology.
2. If you live in Florida, your first concern is probably going to be mold testing. So, once you have found a mold remediation specialist with the expertise you need and the professional reputation you trust, it’s time to schedule an on-site mold inspection in Miami, Jacksonville or anywhere in between. Mold testing in Boca Raton, FL should follow the same strict standards as mold testing in Orlando or mold testing in Houston, but a local pro will be familiar with any issues that are common in your area.
3. When an AirMD professional comes to your home or business, they will start with a visual inspection. After that, they will take air quality samples, temperature and humidity readings, and respirable particle samples. All of the data collected will then be sent for laboratory analysis.
4. If anything harmful is detected, it’s time for professional mediation services. Whether you need mold removal in your Miami condo, mold remediation in your Boca Raton home or mold removal in your Orlando business, you can count on the experts at AirMD. If you’re not the trusting kind, don’t worry! We’ll be back following the mold removal to conduct post-remediation tests to ensure that all mold is gone.

Call 1 888 GO AIRMD (462-4763)

The post Protecting the Sunshine State – from mold removal in Tampa to asbestos inspections in Tallahassee appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.