What is Asbestos?
Per the United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, asbestos is a term used to describe naturally occurring minerals that resist heat and corrosion. Understandably, these qualities would initially seem like beneficial characteristics of home-building materials. After all, materials to construct homes need to be durable. Unfortunately, it was discovered that microscopic asbestos fibers can cause numerous respiratory illnesses, including cancer.
What Are the Health Risks of Asbestos?
Just because you can’t see asbestos with the naked eye, doesn’t mean it can’t wreak havoc on your health. Inhaling asbestos fibers has been linked to conditions such as asbestosis, which is a buildup of scar tissue in your lungs. This reduces lung function and can be fatal. Likewise, asbestos has been found to cause a specific type of cancer known as mesothelioma. Please note that not everyone who is exposed to asbestosis will become ill from it. However, if you have concerns about the presence of asbestos in your home, schedule testing.
Should I Have Asbestos Testing Done in my Home?
If your home was built before 1990, you may want to schedule asbestos testing. This is especially true if you’ve had water damage in your home. When sealed and undamaged, asbestos is unlikely to cause health problems. However, in older homes that have suffered flooding, or if you’ve had issues with mold, it’s smart to schedule asbestos testing.
Testing for asbestos involves taking a sample and sending it to a lab for analysis. While you could secure the sample yourself, it’s best to let a trained professional secure the sample so you don’t inadvertently inhale ceiling dust.
If your lab results show that you do have asbestos in your ceiling, be sure to schedule professional removal as soon as possible.
How is Asbestos Removed?
Professional asbestos removal prioritizes health and safety above all else. Precautionary measures to protect you and your family during the asbestos removal process will include:
- Setting up a double barrier containment system
- Sealing vents
- Establishing negative air pressure
- Installing state-of-art decontamination systems
- Using a HEPA vacuum to clean up
- Disposing waste in secure, certified containers
- Moving contaminated waste materials to designated landfills
Asbestos Testing and Removal in Southern Oregon
ProKleen’s team includes trained asbestos testing and removal experts, who are here to help you protect your home and your family from potential health risks. We provide testing and removal of asbestos for homes and offices throughout Southern Oregon. As a locally owned and operated emergency home restoration company, ProKleen provides 24-hour services for both homes and businesses. If you’re concerned about asbestos in your home, we can help. Contact us online or by calling 541-857-1818.