The widespread use of asbestos started because of its excellent insulation capabilities. It is found in many products, including sprayed-on fire proofing and insulation in buildings, insulation for pipes and boilers, wall and ceiling insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, putties, caulks, cements, roofing shingles, brake linings and clutch pads.

If left undisturbed, asbestos does not pose a danger. It becomes hazardous when we breathe in the asbestos fibers that are released in the air. These fibers get trapped in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat where they can be removed. However, if they pass deep into the lungs, or swallowed, into the digestive tract, health problems may arise. Asbestos fibers are very difficult to destroy. Once these fibers get stuck in the lung or body tissues, the human body cannot break them down.

Asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma are the three primary diseases associated with asbestos. Children are more likely prone to developing mesothelioma whey they inhale asbestos. Schools over the years have taken possible exposure to asbestos seriously and implemented measures to prevent children from being affected.

The main concern relating to materials that contain asbestos is friability. When asbestos becomes friable, the likelihood for an exposure increases. When materials in the home, office, or any other building begin to degrade or any renovations, demolition or construction is to occur, an asbestos survey must be conducted to ensure no material that contains asbestos is disturbed. Asbestos regulation is implemented and enforced at both Federal and State levels. In fact, a current asbestos survey is required prior to any demolition or renovation made to a commercial or multi-unit residential property in every state as required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is crucial to seek out certified and trained professionals like AirMD to test for asbestos.

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Call us at 1-888-GO AIRMD with any of your indoor environmental questions and concerns, or to schedule an appointment with one of our consultants

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The post Asbestos 101 appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.

Lead Paint

Surfaces painted prior to 1978 may contain lead paint. Lead paint is harmful when it flakes off a painted surface and sanding releases lead dust into the air. Have a lead paint test is necessary before you start sanding to repaint or rip out painted surfaces like walls and window frames. If your paint contains lead, you can remove it while wearing a respirator, coat it with a bonding agent to seal it in or have a professional come and remove the paint for you.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber previously used in shingles, siding, insulation, floor tiles and ceiling tiles due to its light weight and fire resistance. Unfortunately, it is now known to cause lung cancer and other serious diseases when its fibers are inhaled. Asbestos testing is the only way to know for sure if any of the materials in your home contain asbestos, and it is important to have the test done before you start removing tiles, insulation, siding or other potentially contaminated materials. If asbestos is present, these items will need to be removed by a professional asbestos abatement team.

Mold

For those with allergies, the presence of mold alone may be enough to cause illness. Others, however, may not feel the effects of hidden mold until its spores are released into the air. If your remodeling a kitchen or bathroom where water may have leaked at one time, it is important to have mold testing the second you find evidence of prior water damage. This will tell you if you have mold and what kind it is if you do. Once you know what you’re dealing with you can formulate a cleanup plan.

If you suspect the quality of your air may be compromised, the only way to ensure your safety is to have an indoor air quality evaluation performed by the professional staff at AirMD. They are an environmental testing and consulting firm capable of testing for numerous dangers including mold, asbestos and formaldehyde. Don’t leave you and your family’s health at risk. Call today for a consultation.

To ask an AirMD scientist a question please Click Here or to schedule an appointment call 1-888-462-4763 or 1-888-GO-AIRMD

The post Hidden DIY Renovation Mistakes appeared first on Air Quality Testing by AirMD Since 2007.