Asbestos removal is a must for homes that have been exposed to it. However, a lot of Americans don’t have enough knowledge on what it is, how it can affect families’ health and how to prevent it. Here at Ridaway, we don’t just do asbestos removal but we also educate homeowners of the danger if it’s left unremoved.
What Is Asbestos?
Six minerals formed of fibers found naturally in the ground are referred to as asbestos. There are numerous uses for these minerals in manufacturing and construction.
Asbestos fibers are flexible and resistant to heat, fire, chemicals, and electricity, to name a few properties. Because of this, they have been utilized in textiles as well as building materials for homes and businesses. But when touched or moved asbestos fibers rapidly break apart into minute fragments. Have you ever done an asbestos check for your home? If not, you might consider doing so.
What Are the Signs of Exposure to Asbestos?
It’s possible that symptoms won’t appear for several years following asbestos exposure. In general, it might cause the following symptoms:
- feeling as if you need more air
- coughing or wheezing
- a persistent cough that progressively worsens
- exhaling blood
- chest stiffness or discomfort
- difficulty swallowing
- swelling of the face or neck
- reduced appetite
- Loss of weight
- Tiredness
- Anemia
Whether or not you are experiencing symptoms, consult your doctor if you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos at some point.
What Medical Conditions Can Asbestos Affect?
Your risk of getting diseases including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer increases with continued exposure to the fibers. People who smoke are more adversely affected. This is as a result of smoking irritating the lungs’ airways which makes it harder for the lungs to remove asbestos fibers.
What Should You Do If Asbestos Is in Your Home?
Unless they are broken or disturbed, materials having asbestos in them probably won’t put your health in danger. Simply examine items in your house that you are aware contain asbestos and are in excellent shape periodically for wear or damage that could cause asbestos fibers to be released.
In general, a quick visual inspection of something in your home won’t reveal whether it contains asbestos (unless it has a warning label). If you’re unsure, let it be.
Consider having your house tested for asbestos if:
- You intend to renovate it.
- It has defective components, such as insulation that is deteriorating or cracking drywall.
To inspect your home for asbestos, hire a qualified and accredited asbestos inspector near you that can also perform an asbestos removal. Samples can be safely collected and sent to an accredited lab for analysis. If the tests reveal asbestos in your home, they will advise you on the next course of action. The EPA advises against attempting to collect samples on your own. If you perform this incorrectly, it could be harmful to your health.
Your home’s asbestos can be safely repaired or removed by a qualified professional. Don’t try to complete this by yourself. You or a member of your household may breathe in fibers that are released. Ridaway is here to assist you in keeping an asbestos free home. To find out which choice of asbestos removal service is ideal for your home, view our service here or give us a call right away.
