Asbestos has been widely used in building materials for more than 100 years. The fibrous mineral was first diagnosed as a cause of both lung cancer and asbestosis in 1935. Years later asbestos was linked to a rare, often fatal type of cancer called Mesothelioma. Despite a partial ban on products containing asbestos beginning in 1989, today, millions of properties still contain asbestos in materials ranging from insulation to floor tiles, ceilings, and shingles. If you’re concerned about asbestos in a property you own, you can test for the presence of it by hiring a professional asbestos testing and abatement company to conduct an asbestos inspection.
Warning Signs that a Property May Contain Asbestos
So, who should schedule an asbestos inspection, and why? Here are warning signs that your home or commercial building may contain asbestos.
- The property was built before the 1980s
- The property has vinyl flooring (sheeting)
- The property has a cement water tank
- The property has cement sheets near light bases, vent covers
- The property has loose, gray or white fluffy asbestos
- The property has a popcorn ceiling or other textured ceiling
Even if your property doesn’t have any of these telltale signs of asbestos, you should consider an asbestos inspection if:
- You are planning a home renovation
- You are planning any type of demolition project
- You are concerned about the potential health risks of asbestos
- You are preparing to disturb material that may have asbestos
What Steps Do Experts Take to Find Asbestos in a Home or Commercial Property?
The only sure way to know if your property has asbestos is by scheduling an asbestos inspection. During this inspection, you may rely on the professionals to take the following steps to determine if your home has asbestos.
1. Visual Inspection
2. Sample Collection.
3. Sample Sent to Lab.
4. Analysis of Test Results
If the property is not found to contain asbestos, nothing more needs to be done. If asbestos is detected, an abatement plan will be created.
What Happens if Asbestos is Found During an Asbestos Test?
If asbestos is confirmed during an asbestos inspection, you can expect qualified professionals to create and execute a custom plan to safely remove the asbestos. This will involve several steps.
- Site Preparation
- Donning Personal Protective Equipment
- Encapsulation or Removal of Materials Containing Asbestos
- Safe, Proper Disposal of Materials Containing Asbestos
- Post-Abatement Testing to Ensure Area Has Been Decontaminated
It is important to note that asbestos that is intact and is not disturbed is not an immediate threat to you, your loved ones, or those who live or work in the buildings. The danger comes from the disturbance of asbestos fibers, whereby they become airborne and can be inhaled.
Book an Asbestos Inspection in Southern Oregon
ProKleen Restoration & Environmental Services provides certified asbestos testing and abatement throughout Southern Oregon. In 2024, ProKleen will celebrate 30 years of success in providing water and fire damage restoration services. ProKleen also provides biohazard cleanup, mold testing and removal, smoke smell and odor removal, and more. For 24-hour emergency service call 541-537-4094. For non-emergency services, you are welcome to message us.