You have probably heard about the dangers of asbestos, and knowing how to check your home can make the difference in your family’s safety. Since asbestos cannot be seen or smelled, understanding the right steps to take is vital. Here is a brief guide for asbestos removal.

How to Check for Asbestos

The most effective way to inspect for asbestos is to hire an asbestos removal team, especially if your home is more than 20 years old, and you have renovation plans. The fibers become dangerous when they are released, which is a common occurrence during remodeling. Technicians will take a small sample to test for the presence of this dangerous substance. The fibers are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye, which means they will have to undergo lab testing for confirmation.

There are a few clues around your home that you should call for asbestos removal. Besides the age of the house, inspect to see if your pipes are insulated and if not, if they have signs of white or gray insulation remnants, especially on the fittings. Also, look at your flooring tiles. Typically, older tiles, especially 9 x 9-inch patterns, were laid with asbestos.

Another area that should be assessed is insulation and roofing and siding components. If there is asbestos in there, these areas are more prone to crumbling, leading to asbestos releasing into your living environment.

The Common Symptoms

When left unchecked, asbestos exposure can lead to lung diseases, like mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer. Typically, those affected will have a dry cough or wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Because of this, most symptoms will be found in the respiratory system, but that does not mean you won’t feel problems elsewhere.

Other common spots include the throat, stomach, and even the colon, which can take the form of abdominal pain, loss of appetite, hernias, and bowel troubles. Scans may also reveal pleural plaques and thickening. Laryngeal and ovarian cancers may also occur after exposure.

How to Protect Your Family & Property

The more you are exposed, the worse symptoms and illnesses will be, which means having asbestos removal by a professional company as soon as possible is best. If you and your family have been exposed, tell your doctor expediently so the right tests can be done. Always report any changes and monitor symptoms diligently. Never handle asbestos yourself. Do not disturb an area that you suspect contains fibers to lower the risk of their permeating your space.

For asbestos removal in the Cincinnati, Tri-State area, trust the experts at Priority 1 Construction Service. Their more than two decades of experience ensures the health and safety of your property. From fire proofing to mold abatement, their quality service comes from their extensive training and their current techniques for handling any project. For more on their offerings, including insulation services, call (513) 922-0203. Stop by their website for their convenient online form.