Asbestos Testing

Asbestos, which has been identified as a carcinogen, is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral found in certain types of rock formations throughout the world. Asbestos fibers are strong, won’t burn, resist corrosion and insulate well. These physical properties have made it useful in many construction products such as heating pipe insulation, cement siding, roof shingles, vinyl floor tiles, various types of insulation and so on. Although most of the asbestos materials that had been used are no longer manufactured, various items can be found in homes built prior to 1978. When asbestos insulation is in good, undamaged condition, and when it is found in an area not subject to mechanical damage, current advice is to leave this material alone. However where this material was used on heating or other plumbing pipes, there remains the possibility that some of it will eventually have to be disturbed and removed when leaks occur and repairs to the piping are necessary. Asbestos insulation in poor condition (falling off, or mechanically damaged) should be removed and properly disposed-of by an asbestos abatement professional. The decision to remove or enclose asbestos material should be made by a certified trained specialist. There are two primary methods of dealing with asbestos containing material: Encapsulation (seal it up in place) Abatement (removing it) As long as the asbestos material is not likely to be disturbed or is in an area where renovations will not occur, the EPA suggests that it is best left alone. The removal of damaged or deteriorating asbestos is not always necessary. In fact, it can be the least desirable alternative due to the airborne fibers that can be released. The decision to remove, encapsulate, or enclose asbestos material should be made by a certified trained specialist.