Asbestos Testing

What Is Asbestos Testing, And How Does It Work?

Asbestos testing is used to confirm whether or not a certain part of your home has been built with asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos is extremely carcinogenic and can cause cancer, but its great insulation and fire resistance led to its widespread use in some American buildings before the 1970s.

However, there is no way to tell if a certain material contains asbestos without testing it. Because of this, asbestos testing is usually carried out by sampling the material which is thought to contain asbestos, and sending it into a laboratory.

This should only be done by a trained professional. Asbestos-containing materials are only dangerous if their fibers and particles are inhaled. Since taking a sample incorrectly can damage the material and release fibers into the air of your home, special techniques should be used whenever an asbestos-containing material is sampled.

Why Is Asbestos Testing So Important?

Asbestos was widely used when building homes for decades, and it is extremely carcinogenic and dangerous, especially when asbestos fibers are breathed in.

Breathing in asbestos can cause mesothelioma (a very dangerous type of lung cancer), as well as heighten the risks of other types of lung cancer. Another associated condition is known as “asbestosis,” which is shortness of breath caused by scarring of the lungs due to inhaled asbestos fibers.

If you think your home may have been built with asbestos-containing materials, it’s imperative to have it inspected immediately to ensure that the material is safe and that you avoid these potentially lethal health conditions.