As asbestos abatement professionals, we are often asked by homeowners “what is asbestos?” Today we’re going to answer that question and let you know everything you need to know about asbestos as it can influence your home or workplace.
What is Asbestos?
We all hear about the dangers of asbestos but do you know what asbestos actually is? If not, you’re not alone. Fortunately, today we’re giving you everything you need to know!
But What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a silicate mineral that occurs naturally. Although people think that there is just one material called asbestos, there are actually six types of silicate minerals that classify as asbestos. Asbestos is found naturally in rocks and soil and was at one time mined in large quantities for use in various industries.
Asbestos Application
Although asbestos is a mineral material, it can be manipulated to create a fluffy consistency. Flexible and a very good insulator, asbestos is resistant to heat, electricity and chemical corrosion which is why it was seen as such a great material for multiple applications.
Commonly used in construction, asbestos was often mixed into other materials to make them stronger and impart asbestos properties into the mixing material.
Why Was Asbestos Used?
With so many known health problems stemming from asbestos, why was it used with such frequency in so many types of products?
When asbestos was first discovered it was labeled as a miracle mineral because it has so many durable and versatile properties that were considered “beneficial” for construction-type materials. Adding in the fact that it is such an affordable material, it became a go-to material.
Of course, at the time it was first used, the serious health risks of asbestos exposure were unknown but as they became apparent, the use of asbestos was eliminated. Unfortunately, the effects of asbestos exposure had already taken hold for a considerable number of people and asbestos had already been used in such a large number of materials that the number of symptomatic patients would only continue to grow.
The Continuing Asbestos Exposure Problem
In 1977 the use of asbestos in building materials was outlawed and while this was certainly a beneficial move, it did little for those already affected by asbestos exposure. The outlawing of asbestos in building materials also left the problem of the presence of asbestos in so many homes and buildings.
Although asbestos could no longer be utilized in home building the way that it once was, the fact remained that so many buildings had already been built using asbestos-contaminated materials that continued exposure was a given. So, while no new homes could pose the risk of exposure to asbestos fibers, older homes that were built before 1977 still posed a risk to the homeowner’s health.
Asbestos Removal
As the years progressed, the severity of asbestos-related health symptoms became more and more apparent and it also became obvious that something had to be done about it.
Many states instituted asbestos removal programs that were designed to eliminate asbestos-containing materials in the home but these programs soon ran funding sources dry and home and business owners were left with buildings that were still riddled with asbestos. This is where private asbestos removal came into play
Creating a Safer Environment
Despite the unavailability of funding for asbestos removal programs, homes and businesses still needed to remedy their asbestos problems. Leaving asbestos contamination simply wasn’t an option and so private asbestos removal became increasingly popular.
Why Use Professional Asbestos Removal?
A lot of people became concerned about the cost of asbestos-contaminated material removal when there were no longer funds available to cover asbestos removal, but the fact remained that removal was a necessity.
Here at SafeAir Contractors, we understand the severity of asbestos exposure and the immediate need for creating a safer workspace or home. We also understand the financial demand that asbestos removal can have which is why we work hard to develop an affordable asbestos removal solution for every one of our clients. We believe that you should never have to sacrifice your health when treatment options are available.
Gone From “What is Asbestos?” to a Need For Asbestos Removal?
If you’ve gone from asking “what is asbestos” to needing asbestos removal services, SafeAir Contractors can help! If you’re in Ohio or Western Pennsylvania and are looking for a reputable asbestos abatement professional, give us a call today at 440-639-1191.
