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Professional Asbestos Inspections in Statesboro, Georgia And Surrounding Counties
Asbestos refers to several naturally occurring minerals that are composed of thin, fibrous needle-like crystals. Asbestos has been widely used for its durability, high resistance to heat, and its use as an electrical insulator. However, over time it was discovered that asbestos is very dangerous with long-term exposure.
Asbestos can be found in many things, particularly building materials such as concrete, pipe insulation, fireproof drywall, floor tiles, roof shingles, window caulk, plaster and stucco, drywall compound, popcorn ceilings, HVAC duct insulation, and more. Despite known health concerns as early as the 1930s, asbestos was largely thought to be safe through the 1970s. It is believed that most buildings built before 1980 contain asbestos.
The key to the danger of asbestos lies in its fibrous structure. When disturbed, asbestos can shed thin, microscopic 'fibrils' that become airborne as asbestos dust. These tiny crystals are like needles and can be inhaled, becoming lodged in the tissue of the lungs or other organs. The fibers can remain in the tissue indefinitely, where they will irritate and damage the tissue over a long period. It may take decades for the symptoms to become noticeable.
The damage caused by asbestos fibers can even damage the DNA of the tissue, resulting in the development of cancerous tumors. One particular cancer is Mesothelioma, which is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Exposure can also cause other diseases such as Asbestosis and lung cancer.
While most of the developed world has banned the use of asbestos, and despite the known hazards of asbestos exposure, it has not been banned in the United States. However, its use is limited.
The only way to know whether or not your home has asbestos-containing materials is to hire a trained professional to perform an inspection and take samples for testing . Samples will be sent to a third-party laboratory for analysis. Samples are taken from several areas of the home, including the following:
Samples are sent to a third-party laboratory for testing to confirm the presence of asbestos and to assess the extent of the problem.
Copeland Home Inspections provides asbestos inspections in Bulloch, Screven, Effingham, Bryan, Evans, Candler, Emanuel, and Jenkins Counties including Statesboro, Swainsboro, Savannah, Augusta, and surrounding communities. Not sure if that's you? Give us a call at (912) 682-5198 or send us an email.