WHAT IS ASBESTOS?

It’s a naturally occurring mineral fiber, which in the past, was added to a variety of products to provide insulation and fire resistance. Asbestos is heat and fire resistant, and it doesn’t conduct electricity which makes it appealing for many residential, commercial, and industrial structures. Asbestos was used for many years before realizing that exposure can be extremely hazardous to human health. The tiny asbestos fibers can remain in the air for much longer than dust particles making it easy for people to breathe in. If the fibers become trapped in the lungs it can lead to scarring, inflammation, and lung cancer. We are all exposed to some asbestos at some point but consistent exposure increases your risk of developing lung problems later in life– especially for children.

EFFECTS AND HEALTH?

Exposure to high levels of asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma or asbestosis.

If your property was built between about 1940 and 1970 here is a list of where you asbestos could likely be found:

• AirCell Pads Inside Furnaces
• AirCell and Sheeting
• Ductwork Insulation
• Dry Asbestos Insulation
• Acoustic Ceiling
• Drop Ceiling Tiles
• Linoleum
• Silvex Roofing Paint
• Stucco/Plaster
• Pipe Elbow Mud
• Floor tile and Mastic
• Gas fire logs
• Pipe Lagging
• Flexible Fabric Joints
• Block Insulation
• Fuse Box Insulation
• Sheetrock & Joint Compound
• Wall Texture
• Asbestos Taping on Ductwork
• Water Heater Vent and Register
• Return Seams
• Sprayed-on Fireproofing Insulation
• Soundproofing Materials
• Attic Insulation
• HVAC Duct Insulation
• Millboard
• Fire Door Interiors
• Textured Paints and Plasters
• Asbestos Cement Wallboard
• Window Putty Asphalt
• Roofing Shingles Material and Felt
• Transite Shingles and Siding