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Asbestos Testing

Historically, asbestos was a fiber used to strengthen a variety of products as well as for its heat insulation and fire resistance properties.  There is asbestos in many older homes and buildings because it was at once a common component used in construction.  It was not until much later that the health hazards from asbestos exposure were discovered.  This is because symptoms of asbestos related diseases usually do not appear until about 20 to 30 years after exposure to asbestos.

Repeated exposures to high levels of airborne asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of:

  • lung cancer
  • mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the lining of the chest and the abdominal cavity
  • asbestosis, in which the lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue
If disturbed, asbestos containing material may release asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled into the lungs. Asbestos material that crumbles easily, or that has been sawed, scraped, or sanded into a powder, is more likely to create a health hazard.  Inhaled fibers can remain in the lungs for a long time, increasing the risk of disease. 

Property Inspectors can identify the different types of asbestos fibers based on samples they obtain from your home or business.  These may be from sources such as…
  • Roofing and siding shingles which may contain asbestos (transite)
  • Homes built between 1920 and 1980 may contain asbestos insulation
  • Vermiculite insulation prior to 1990 may contain asbestos fibers
  • Prior to 1977, textured paint, joint compound, and patch may have contained asbestos
  • Artificial ashes and embers for fireplaces may contain asbestos
  • Older stove top hot pads may contain asbestos
  • Walls and floors around wood burning stoves may contain asbestos
  • Asbestos can be in vinyl floor tiles, and on the back of vinyl flooring and in adhesives
  • Hot water and steam pipes in older homes may be coated with an asbestos material, blanket or tape
  • Oil and coal furnaces may have asbestos in their gaskets or on their outer shell.
Materials containing less than 1% asbestos content by composition are not considered hazardous or require special handling. If you are planning to remodel, or have questionable material, call us to come and professionally sample the material to identify your risk.


The EPA has published an excellent referencen for further explanation for the property owner at  http://www.epa.gov/oppt/asbestos/pubs/ashome.html

For immediate answers to your questions, call Property Inspectors!