What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found world-wide and was once mined in Vermont. Asbestos was once referred to as the “Magic Mineral” because it will not burn, resists corrosion, is an excellent insulator and possesses high tensile
strength. Asbestos use in the United States dates by to the 1800s and was widely used in building materials. Commercially, asbestos containing building supply products were used most popularly from World War II until the 1970s.
Health Effects from Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos is a potential hazard when fibers become airborne and are inhaled. Three of the major health effects associated with asbestos exposure are:
- lung cancer
- mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that is found in the thin lining of the lung, chest and the abdomen and heart
- asbestosis, a serious progressive, long-term, non-cancer disease of the lungs
Is There Asbestos in My Building?
Asbestos can be found in thousands of materials. Although asbestos is not present in modern-day building materials, homes, and businesses built prior to 1980 are still at risk of containing asbestos. Additionally, newer homes are not necessarily guaranteed to be free of asbestos. Because asbestos is a known carcinogen, it’s important for homeowners and business owners to have their structures evaluated for the presence of asbestos.
When Should I Test?
State and Federal Regulations require the performance of an asbestos inspection prior to the start of any renovation and demolition activities. The presence/absence of asbestos in building materials can only be confirmed through microscopic analysis of a small sample of the material in question. An asbestos inspection must be performed by a certified asbestos inspector.
We provide asbestos inspections for residential, commercial, and industrial properties throughout the state of Vermont.
