Asbestos is a dangerous material that can have serious health effects when inhaled. Any homeowner needs to understand the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos, as the two forms have slightly different levels of risk. If you think you have harmful material in your home, make sure you find an asbestos inspection near me service immediately. Let's look at the differences between these two forms of asbestos, as the risks associated with each are quite different.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once used in applications for many years. It has excellent insulating and fireproofing qualities, which is why the construction and automotive industries used it. However, it was discovered that asbestos exposure causes serious health issues and leads to both short-term and long-term illnesses. As a result, asbestos has been phased out and isn't in many industries now.

What Is Friable Asbestos?

Friable asbestos is an easily crumbled form of asbestos that easily break down into tiny particles that easily become airborne. This is the more dangerous type of asbestos, as you can easily breathe it into your lungs where it can do the most damage. All asbestos is dangerous, but friable asbestos is the most dangerous. If you come into contact with friable asbestos, you must take extra care to avoid inhaling it. For example, if removing friable asbestos, avoid releasing the particles into the air. You can identify friable asbestos by its rough and crumbly texture. It's also often found in a blueish or black color.

What Is Non-friable Asbestos?

Non-friable asbestos is a less crumbly form of asbestos more resistant to being broken down. It's more difficult to inhale the particles and is generally safer to use that friable. Remember that non-friable asbestos is still dangerous upon inhalation and can cause serious health issues. As a result, always handle non-friable asbestos carefully and avoid releasing the particles into the air. Non-friable asbestos has a hard and smooth texture. It's also often found in a grey or white color.

Health Risks Associated With Inhaling Asbestos

Asbestos can lead to many serious health issues like lung disease, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Asbestos can cause several types of cancer, making it one of the most dangerous materials on earth. It's extremely harmful to those who come into contact with it, even if they don't inhale the particles. Those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing health issues later in life as well.

How to Identify Both Types of Asbestos

Asbestos can be identified by its color, texture, and the way it breaks down. Friable asbestos has a rough and crumbly texture that you can easily break. Non-friable asbestos is hard and smooth and often appears in a grey or white color. Another way to identify asbestos is to use a special type of light called black light. Asbestos glows when exposed to black light and the color of the glow varies depending on the type of asbestos.

Proper Handling and Disposal of Asbestos

Asbestos can be dangerous no matter how you handle and dispose of it. When disposing of asbestos, you must use a licensed asbestos removal company. It's the safest way to know that the asbestos is disposed of properly and won't cause any harm. If you ask yourself, "Where can I find an asbestos inspection near me?" you should check your local asbestos removal companies. They can come to your home, inspect it for asbestos, and suggest the appropriate course of action. Don't mess with it yourself, as you may release it into the air.

Consider the Age of Your Home

If your home was built before 1940, asbestos was likely used in its construction. According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2019 American Community Survey, approximately 12% of homes were built before 1940. More than half the houses were built before 1980, the unofficial cut-off point for asbestos peak usage and eventual phasing out. Since asbestos inspections aren't mandatory, find out how old any house is before purchasing it.

Don't waste time if you have asbestos in your home. Asbestos can be detrimental to your health, so handle it with care and avoid it altogether. The best way to stay safe from asbestos is to ask yourself "Where can I find asbestos inspection near me?" and use a licensed asbestos removal company. Friable and non-friable asbestos pose serious health risks, and caution must be taken when dealing with either. Contact our local asbestos service at ASAP Environmental Inc today for help.