Asbestos
is a long thin flexible
silky fibrous magnesium silicate material
which is toxic. It is strong enough to resist
high temperatures, chemical
attack and wear. A poor
conductor, it insulates well
against heat and
electricity. It is mined from the
ground. Asbestos
exposure becomes a health
concern when high
concentrations of asbestos
fibers are inhaled over a
long time period. Asbestos
exposure is primarily
dangerous when the fibers
become airborne and are
inhaled. Asbestos
fibers are usually released in
asbestos-containing
materials that are damaged
or otherwise compromised. Inhalation of
asbestos fibers can cause
serious illness – cancers
and lung diseases!
Manufacturers
used it because
of its resistance to heat,
electrical and chemical
damage, sound absorption and
tensile strength. In buildings it was
used because of its flame retardant and
insulating properties. Uses included
caulking, putty, roof
patching, heat, fire, and
acid resistant gaskets, fire
retardant coatings, driveway
coatings, heating vents,
concrete, bricks, pipes and
fireplace cement, pipe
insulation, ceiling
insulation, flooring,
roofing tars, felts, siding,
shingles, lawn furniture,
wallboard, fireproof
drywall, drywall joint
compound, plasters, textured
and latex paints, acoustic
ceiling tiles,
“transite" panels,
exterior siding,
countertops, and interior
fire doors. Vermiculite
was used as a replacement
for asbestos. Sometimes found as
attic insulation in
buildings. Talc is
sometimes contaminated with
asbestos, so any product
containing it may also.
Since
the 1980’s most countries
have banned its use. In 1989 the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the Asbestos Ban and
Phase Out Rule which was
subsequently overturned in
the case of Corrosion Proof
Fittings vs. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1991.
This ruling leaves many
consumer products that can
still legally contain trace
amounts of asbestos. Asbestos continues to
be used in construction such
as cement asbestos pipes. The most common is
corrugated asbestos-cement
sheets or "A/C
Sheets" for roofing and
for side walls. Millions of
homes, factories, schools or
sheds and shelters continue
to use asbestos.
Naturally occurring asbestos come from
naturally occurring deposits
and many populated areas are
in near proximity to
shallow, natural deposits
which occur in 50 of 58
California counties and in
19 other U.S. states.
If you suspect asbestos might
be present you should hire a
professional inspector. Do not disturb the
area. That could cause
fibers to be released into
the air where they could be
inhaled. Call us for a
professional inspection and
certified lab tests. If asbestos is found,
then a professional
experienced contractor will
be needed.
It is a complex and expensive
matter to remove asbestos. When
disturbing an asbestos
product, maximum precautions
must be taken to safeguard
the workers and anybody else
who may be nearby. Asbestos
dust must remain within the
work area so that it cannot
be breathed in by
unprotected persons. The area must be
contained so as not to
contaminate the rest of the
building and endanger
people.
Asbestos
inspection & testing
can be done at your
location NOW!
CALL
888.239.6969
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