When it comes to asbestos abatement, you need the best. When asbestos-containing materials become damaged, asbestos fibers may become airborne. So long as asbestos fibers are securely contained within compounds, there is no, or very little risk of physical harm. However, once airborne, asbestos fibers may severely damage health over the longterm.
What Exactly is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural substance that consists of six types of silicates. The most common type used is chrysotile. Asbestos is naturally fire resistant, an effective insulator, and inexpensive to use. Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials prior to the 1970s.
Asbestos: Still Used in Modern Construction
Contrary to popular belief, asbestos is still used in modern construction. In 1978 the US banned the manufacture of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). However, this regulation does not ban the use of ACMs.
In other words, it is not illegal to import and use ACMs in US construction today. That means it is possible that homes built after the 1970s may contain asbestos. And in fact, many modern-built homes are constructed using asbestos-containing material in some part of the building.
Where Asbestos May Be Found in Your Home
Asbestos may be present in the following areas of your residence:
Many people assume that asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are easy to identify and remove. However, asbestos fibers are microscopic, and you can't always tell that a material contains asbestos by sight alone.