You probably already know that asbestos is dangerous and can lead to lung-related illnesses, however what is asbestos, exactly? At New York Asbestos Removal, we’ll break it down for you; including everything from what it’s made of and where it can be found to why it’s so dangerous.
Asbestos Makeup
There are several different types of asbestos, but generally speaking the asbestos family is made up of a variety of fibrous minerals. These minerals are extremely durable and naturally resistant to heat, fire and chemicals, making them popular for use in building materials.
The History of Asbestos
Asbestos has been discovered in ancient artifacts dating as far back as 4000 BC. Archeologists found that it had been used in candlewicks, embalming cloths and cooking pots during this time. However large-scale mining and production of asbestos took hold in the late 1800s. The height of asbestos consumption in the U.S. was in 1973 as it was a widespread material used in a number of common building materials including cement, roofing, fire-retardant, home insulation, caulking compounds and paints.
Asbestos Dangers
While not completely banned in the U.S., asbestos is heavily regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. Asbestos becomes a hazard when the minerals are disturbed by demolition, drilling, cracking, etc. The minerals then become airborne and since asbestos fibers are so durable they can take a long time to break down once they’re inhaled, causing lung-related illnesses and in some cases, cancer.
When To Call Asbestos Professionals
The EPA recommends contacting a licensed asbestos abatement professional before you plan on making large renovations or doing any demolition work. If you have cracking or frayed building materials in your home, you can also contact an asbestos removal specialist to test the area.
To learn more about the health risks associated with asbestos, our asbestos abatement, removal and remediation services, contact us at New York Asbestos Removal today or click here for a free quote to get started.