What does asbestos look like? Asbestos is a mineral with several different structural formations, many of which are harmless to humans. Unfortunately, because of its jagged and crystalline structure, crocidolite types of asbestos-containing materials are durable and fire retardant. This also made asbestos a great insulating material.
What is asbestos used for? Because of its structural durability, asbestos was used in the United States for a number of years in the 20th century in several construction materials, such as loose-fill insulation containing asbestos fibers (vermiculite insulation), some styles of stucco (popcorn ceilings), and asbestos Insulating board or asbestos cement siding to name a few.
If your home was built sometime between 1930 and 1977 (when lead-based paints were banned in homes) using any of these materials, your home could be contaminated with asbestos. If you are exposed to asbestos it could be making you sick. With asbestos exposure, you run the risk of developing lung cancer if no asbestos abatement is performed.
Asbestos can be difficult to identify with only visual inspections of the material, which is why collecting a sample of the material to be sent to a lab for analysis. Interpreting asbestos test results after your asbestos inspection with your inspector will help you determine the extent of the issue if asbestos is present.
Luckily, asbestos is heavier than air, so if left alone will settle out of the air. Unfortunately, many building materials were made of friable asbestos, which crumbles easily with the force of a human hand, making it easy to get more asbestos-containing material released into the air. Once settled, this asbestos dust is only dangerous if disturbed and released into the air again.
If you think your home might have asbestos-containing building materials, or are looking for “asbestos testing near me”, please call SPS Inspections today at 360-688-3069 to speak with an experienced home inspector about inspecting for asbestos and asbestos testing services, or click the “request a lead and asbestos testing services” button to request your inspection from SPS Inspections!