Asbestos was once a popular material used due to its durability, heat-insulating properties, and fire resistance. In the early 1900s, its multi-use attributes led to its widespread use in paint, insulation materials, siding, cement, floor tiles, and even cigarettes. However, by the 1970s, it was scientifically proven that asbestos was responsible for thousands of instances of lung damage in exposed individuals and even cancer. Consequently, the United States put a stop to the use of asbestos in buildings and manufacturing in 1981. Despite this ban, many older homes and structures still contain asbestos today.
The first step in identifying asbestos is to have a thorough inspection of the property conducted by one of our certified asbestos inspectors. This includes collecting samples of suspected materials. The samples are then sent to a lab locally in South Carolina for analysis to determine if they contain asbestos.
If asbestos is detected, the next step is to create a removal plan. This typically involves determining the best way to handle the asbestos, whether it’s removal or encapsulation (sealing off the asbestos to prevent fibers from becoming airborne).
One of our licensed asbestos abatement technicians then carries out the removal or encapsulation. Removal involves physically taking out all materials containing asbestos. If encapsulation is decided, a special sealant is applied to the material to prevent asbestos fibers from being released into the air.
There are several different types of asbestos, each with unique properties. Asbestos comprises six naturally occurring minerals composed of soft, flexible fibers. These minerals are resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion, making them popular in numerous industries. The six types of asbestos are:
Chrysotile: Also known as white asbestos, chrysotile is the most commonly used form of asbestos, found in roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors of homes and businesses.
Amosite: Often referred to as brown asbestos, amosite was used most frequently in cement sheets and pipe insulation. It can also be found in insulating boards, ceiling tiles, and thermal insulation products.
Crocidolite: Known as blue asbestos, crocidolite has very thin fibers and is considered the most dangerous type of asbestos. It was often used to insulate steam engines and is also found in some spray-on coatings, pipe insulation, and cement products.
Tremolite and Actinolite: While these types of asbestos are not commonly used commercially, they can contaminate chrysotile asbestos and other materials, such as talc and vermiculite. They have been found in some paints, sealants, and insulating materials.
Anthophyllite: This type of asbestos is not commonly used and is typically found as a contaminant in composite flooring.
Asbestos in a building presents several potential health hazards, particularly when it’s disturbed and the fibers become airborne. Here are the key risks:
Mesothelioma: This rare form of cancer develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, and it’s almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma has a long latency period, often developing 20-50 years after exposure.
Lung Cancer: Asbestos can lead to lung cancer, particularly among individuals with a history of smoking. Symptoms can include a persistent cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
Asbestosis: This is a chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Over time, these fibers can cause scarring in the lungs, leading to breathing problems, coughing, and a crackling sound while inhaling.
Other Cancers: Asbestos exposure may also be linked to other types of cancers, including ovarian cancer and cancer in the larynx (voice box).
Pleural Changes: Asbestos fibers can cause non-malignant pleural changes like pleural plaques, diffuse pleural thickening, and pleural effusions, which can affect lung function.
Importantly, the risk of these health issues is higher in people who have prolonged exposure to asbestos, and in those who are exposed to high concentrations of asbestos fibers. Furthermore, symptoms and diseases may not appear until decades after exposure. It is crucial, therefore, to manage and remediate asbestos in buildings properly to minimize these risks.
Asbestos can be found in various parts of homes, especially older ones. Common places include insulation (especially in attics), vinyl floor tiles, roofing and siding materials, textured paint, and heat-resistant fabrics. If you think you have asbestos in your home, contact a South Carolina professional as soon as possible for removal.
It’s difficult to identify asbestos just by looking. If your South Carolina home was built before the 1980’s and you suspect the presence of asbestos, it’s best to hire one of our certified professionals to perform an inspection and testing.
If the asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and undisturbed, it’s usually best to leave them alone. However, if the material is damaged or you’re planning renovations that would disturb it, you will need to hire a South Carolina professional help to get it removed first.
It’s strongly recommended to hire a professional for asbestos removal due to the health risks involved. Incorrect handling can cause asbestos fibers to become airborne, increasing the risk of exposure.
Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals composed of soft, flexible fibers that are resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion. These properties made it a popular material in various industries, particularly building and construction. Contacting a South Carolina professional to help identify possible asbestos in your home is the first things to do.
