What is asbestos?
Asbestos is the name given to six minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers that can be separated into thin, durable threads for use in commercial and industrial applications. These fibers are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals and do not conduct electricity. For these reasons, asbestos has been used widely in many industries. Additional asbestos-like minerals are found in the natural environment, including erionite.
Asbestos is also contained in brake linings, clutches, electronic devices, machines and technical installations, heating systems, and, most importantly, in the construction material of numerous buildings.
When entering the lungs asbestos fibers may bring on so-called asbestos is, i.e. the hardening and scarring of connective tissue and eventually cause cancer.
People may be exposed to asbestos in their workplace, their communities, or their homes. If products containing asbestos are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they may get trapped in the lungs and remain there for a long time. Over time, these fibers can accumulate and cause scarring, which can affect breathing and lead to serious health problems. If you plan to remodel your home or have any concerns, you should have your home tested for asbestos by a JMB Environmental asbestos consultant just to be safe.
Determining the numerical concentration of inorganic fibrous particles in indoor air is necessary to guarantee the success of refurbishment measures and show if preliminary measures have been successful.
If you’re worried about asbestos in your home or place of work, call Mould Busters