Why Is an Asbestos Inspection Important?
Although it has been removed from usage in new construction, it was a commonly found component in many building materials used for a long time. That means it may still be present in countless old buildings. When remodeled or demolished, these structures can release dangerous amounts of fibers into the air. Exposure can lead to serious health issues. Among these are a chronic respiratory disease called asbestosis, which features symptoms such as shortness of breath.
As bad as these health issues can be, long-term contact can lead to something much worse. Lung cancer — which typically does not produce noticeable symptoms until it has progressed to an advanced stage — has been linked to extended exposure. This is why, even if you are not planning to remodel or demolish, it is extremely important to have an asbestos inspection included as part of your full home inspection.
Possible Signs of Asbestos in Your Home
If you’re concerned about the possibility that your house may contain dangerous levels of asbestos, take a moment to consider these potential red flags:
- Built before 1990: Many popular building materials used commonly until 1986, when it was banned, contained it. If your home was built during or before the 1980s, there’s a strong possibility that it may be present.
- Corrugated or bitumen roofing: If your house has one of these types of roofs, it may contain white asbestos. Although this type is less dangerous than others, it still can cause health problems.
- Old insulation: If you haven’t replaced the insulation around your pipes since the 1980s, it may contain dangerous levels. The material’s fireproofing qualities made it a popular choice for such applications for a long time.
- Unexplained respiratory issues:A persistent dry cough, wheezing and shortness of breath could all be signs of poisoning.
Get a Professional Asbestos Inspection
When you contact us for testing as part of our comprehensive service, you can be certain that we will use the most modern and effective methods. We will come to your property and take air samples that will be tested using phase contact microscopy or transmission electron microscopy. These advanced techniques can detect even very small particles in the air.
We also can test samples of specific building materials used around your house. The most effective technology for this typically is polarized light microscopy. We can perform these tests as standalone services or as part of an overall inspection.
Contact Us
We’re the experts throughout the Chicagoland area for all types of inspection needs. For more information or to start working with us, get in touch right away.
