Here's What You Need to Know About Asbestos

August 4, 2022

Asbestos is a kind of mineral fiber that can only be positively identified by a certain sort of microscope. Asbestos was formerly applied to various items to reinforce them and offer heat insulation and fire resistance. According to Comfy Living, up to 50% of all residences in the United States were built before 1980. Unfortunately, many of these residences were built with asbestos, resulting in asbestos-related health issues and cancers. Scientists have long known that asbestos fibers can cause cancer and other unpleasant, often fatal ailments when they become airborne and inhaled. Below are some important things to note about asbestos.

Asbestos-Containing Products Are Out There

Most everyday items do not contain asbestos. Those few goods that still contain them and can be ingested must be clearly labeled. Until the 1970s, however, many construction materials and insulating materials used in homes included asbestos. Products that may have included asbestos in the past include resistant floor tiles, door gaskets, cement sheets, and automobile brake pads.

Asbestos Is Still Legal in the United States

Following a comprehensive ten-year investigation of the consequences of asbestos, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ordered the phase-out of asbestos and the prohibition of several items containing it in 1989. The asbestos industry sued the EPA, and in 1991, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit overturned most of the EPA's standards. Since then, the EPA has been hampered in its efforts to outlaw asbestos and other hazardous compounds. More than 50 other countries have outlawed the mineral.

Asbestos Becomes Hazardous When Disturbed

Asbestos-containing products that may be easily crumbled or crushed with physical pressure are "friable." Friable asbestos can produce an aerosol and enter your lungs when you breathe, causing illness. Fibrous, fluffy, sprayed-on insulation, soundproofing, and fireproofing chemicals are examples of friable materials. Nevertheless, floor tile and roofing felt do not often release airborne fibers on their own. Asbestos-containing materials provide a risk when drilled, chopped, or disturbed. If you are remodeling your home, be certain that the work is done by trained professionals who adhere to tight criteria and safety rules. Do not try to remove asbestos on your own.

Asbestos Symptoms Can Take Decades to Arise

Asbestos can cause one or more cancer ailments in people who inhale microscopic asbestos fibers. Pulmonary fibrosis and mesothelioma are two common asbestos-related diseases. The more you are exposed, the more probable it is that you may get an asbestos-related ailment. Pulmonary fibrosis is a noncancerous, chronic, and often fatal respiratory disease caused by asbestos fibers. It scars the lungs, causing pain, breathing difficulties, and heart problems. Many people are unaware of their illness since these symptoms do not always show up until 40 or 50 years later.

Asbestos Remains in the Body Once Inhaled or Ingested

Asbestos, unlike many other poisons, cannot be "flushed out." Because asbestos fibers are tiny, they can pass through the lungs' natural filtration system and permeate the membrane covering the lungs and lining the chest cavity. Fibers can also be ingested and passed through the stomach. Unfortunately, due to their pointed, needle-like character, nothing can remove the fibers from the body. Wear the right respiratory gear and personal protective equipment while in contact with asbestos to protect yourself.

No Level of Asbestos Exposure Is Safe

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reminds employers and employees that there is no "safe" amount of asbestos exposure to any asbestos fiber. Mesothelioma can be caused by even minor asbestos exposure. No quantity of asbestos exposure is safe, but the greatest consequences occur when a person is exposed to a high concentration of it or is repeatedly exposed over a lengthy period.

Asbestos Is Still Produced in Other Countries

Despite its health dangers, asbestos is widely used in construction in Italy, India, Greece, China, Canada, and Russia. Asbestos is still used and sold in many of these nations. Because of its inexpensive cost, asbestos has become common on construction sites in developing countries.

You Should Be Mindful of Asbestos in the Workplace

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, between 1940 and 1979, over 27 million employees were solely exposed to aerosolized asbestos materials. Over 1.3 million construction and general industry employees are in danger of asbestos exposure. Regulations have lowered the danger of exposure in the workplace, although many jobs still face some risks. Certain historically high-risk occupations still pose a significant risk of asbestos exposure today.

Asbestos is still legal, dangerous, and ubiquitous. Many Americans have been exposed to it, and many are at risk. If you believe you may have asbestos in your home or workplace, do not hesitate to contact ASAP Environmental Inc for an inspection.

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Why Professional Mold Inspections Are Essential for Your Home

October 15, 2025

Mold is often called a silent intruder, growing unnoticed behind walls, beneath flooring, in basements, and inside ductwork. Because it thrives in dark, damp areas, homeowners may not realize a problem exists until it has already spread. Mold doesn’t just compromise the structure of your home—it can also affect the health of everyone living inside. If left untreated, it can trigger allergies, aggravate asthma, and create long-term respiratory issues. Professional mold inspections are the most reliable way to identify, assess, and address mold problems before they become severe. These inspections go beyond surface-level checks, providing a deep and detailed look into your home’s condition. If you have ever searched online for “mold inspection near me,” you are already taking the right step toward ensuring a safer and healthier environment. Expertise and Experience Matter Professional mold inspectors bring years of training and specialized knowledge to every inspection. Their background allows them to recognize different strains of mold and understand how each can impact health and property. For example, black mold is often linked with respiratory issues, while other species may cause allergic reactions or damage materials like wood, drywall, and insulation. Beyond identifying the type of mold, professionals know the conditions that allow it to thrive. They understand how moisture, poor ventilation, and temperature can work together to create the perfect environment for mold growth. This expertise allows them to not only find existing mold but also identify areas of risk before they turn into larger problems. Comprehensive Assessment of Your Home A professional mold inspection is more than a visual check—it’s a complete evaluation of your property. Inspectors use advanced tools such as thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden moisture, moisture meters to measure dampness in building materials, and air quality monitors to measure spore levels in the environment. This thorough process means mold will be detected in places most homeowners would never think to check. Basements, crawl spaces, attics, HVAC systems, and even behind wallpaper are common hiding spots. By investigating the entire home, inspectors can pinpoint the full extent of the issue rather than just identifying what’s visible. Accurate Results and Actionable Recommendations Accuracy matters when it comes to mold detection. Professional inspectors don’t rely on guesswork. They collect samples using standardized procedures and send them to certified laboratories for testing. This ensures the results are precise and trustworthy. Once the lab results are complete, inspectors translate the findings into clear, actionable steps. They can recommend whether remediation is necessary, suggest improvements to ventilation, or highlight repairs needed to prevent future mold growth. Instead of leaving homeowners with vague answers, professionals provide a concrete plan to move forward. If you’re searching for “mold inspection near me,” it’s important to choose a provider who not only identifies the problem but also gives you the tools and advice to solve it effectively. Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run Many homeowners hesitate to schedule a mold inspection because they worry about cost. However, delaying an inspection can lead to far more expensive repairs in the future. Mold can spread quickly and damage drywall, flooring, insulation, and even structural beams. Repairing this damage often costs thousands of dollars. According to This Old House, mold thrives in areas that are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which means many homes unknowingly provide the perfect environment for it to grow. Because these conditions are so common, small moisture problems can quickly escalate into widespread infestations. When you search for “mold inspection near me,” you’re not only protecting your property—you’re also safeguarding the well-being of the people you care about most. Health and Safety Benefits for Your Family Mold is more than just a home maintenance issue—it is a health concern. Exposure can trigger allergies, sinus problems, headaches, skin irritation, and breathing difficulties. For individuals with asthma, mold exposure can worsen symptoms and cause dangerous flare-ups. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. By scheduling a professional mold inspection, you are taking an important step toward creating a healthier living environment for your family. Professional inspectors not only identify mold but also help you understand the potential health risks, empowering you to make informed decisions for your household. If you’ve been searching for “ mold inspection near me ,” now is the time to act. Don’t wait until minor issues grow into costly, damaging problems. Take the proactive step today and protect your home, your investment, and your family’s health. Contact ASAP Environmental Inc to schedule your professional mold inspection and ensure a safer, healthier home for years to come.