Sounds dangerous, right? But what exactly is it? Unless you’ve been affected by this hazardous material — or you know someone who has — it’s probably not something you think about every day.
Asbestos is found in rocks and soil. These mineral fibers have worked well for manufacturers for many reasons. For starters, they’re flexible and resistant to heat, chemicals, and electricity. That’s why they were widely used for years to make construction materials, automotive parts, and even textiles.
Other items that may contain asbestos include:
· Insulation in walls and attics
· Vinyl tiles used for floors
· Shingles
· Siding on houses
· Blankets that protect hot water pipes· Fabrics that resist heat· Car brakesThe fibers that form asbestos separate very easily into tiny pieces when they’re handled or damaged. They’re too small to see, but they’re easy to breathe in. They can build up in your lungs and cause health problems.
Asbestosis.This is a condition that affects the lungs. It can cause cough, shortness of breath, and even permanent lung damage. Symptoms might also include chest pain and fingernails and toenails that look oddly wide or round. Like mesothelioma, it doesn’t usually occur until years after a person has breathed in asbestos fibers on a regular basis. There’s no way to heal the damage asbestos causes to the small sacs (alveoli) of the lungs.
Can I Avoid Being Exposed?
Asbestos is so common that everyone has been around it at some point. It’s in the air, water, and soil. But when you’re exposed at such low levels, it’s unlikely to make you sick. When buildings are demolished and homes are remodeled, asbestos can fill the air. It happens as the materials that contain it are destroyed. Home maintenance and repairs may also release toxic fibers. You have less to worry about if you’re around asbestos products that haven’t been damaged in any way. The U.S. government has controlled the use of asbestos since the 1970s. It’s not mined or processed in this country anymore. But it’s still used in items like vinyl floor tiles, cement pipes, clothes, and brake pads. The EPA has banned it in paper, flooring felt, fake fireplaces embers, and other products. Unless you work directly with asbestos on a regular basis, your chances of getting related diseases are low. Our guys who work on the abatement of asbestos wear head to toe gear that protects themselves. They also create decontamination rooms to go through when exiting the job site.
If you think you have asbestos in your home, give us a call at 541-516-6077 and we can come check it out. Follow this link to our website to learn more about our services.
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