Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was found in rock for decades. Asbestos fibers were used to build homes and other buildings. Asbestos fibers are usually white, and if the fibers are not tied together or are worn away, they are crumbly.

Asbestos has long been phased out of commercial use, but it can still exist in old houses and buildings. You may find asbestos around your old hot water pipes and water boilers. It may also be used to tape together sections of heating ducts. You may also find asbestos in materials such as cement, flooring, and ceiling tiles.

Because the presence of asbestos in a property poses danger, read on as AAA Restoration Utah shares what you need to know about asbestos and when you should be worried about it:

What Health Problems Are Caused by Asbestos?

Asbestos may cause some health conditions. You can be exposed to asbestos through breathing in dust and fibers. Some of the common health conditions caused by asbestos are as follows:

Lung cancer

If you breathe in asbestos dust and fibers, you may develop lung cancer. 

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is another form of cancer that can be caused by asbestos. 

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a condition that may lead to severe breathing problems and even death.

Pleural Thickening

Pleural thickening is an illness that happens when too much fluid in the lungs makes the cavity around the lungs become thick and scarred. 

Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngeal cancer is another kind of cancer that can be caused by asbestos. It can happen when asbestos fibers go into the voice box and the throat.

Who Is At Risk of Exposure to Asbestos?

If you live in a home that was built before 1980, there is a chance that it may contain asbestos. You may also be at a higher risk of exposure to asbestos if you live in houses or apartments that have been renovated.

If you have a job that requires you to work with asbestos, such as an electrician, you are more likely to breathe in asbestos fibers.

When Should I Be Worried About Asbestos?

If your house or apartment has visible signs of asbestos, you should be worried about it. If you see asbestos insulation, asbestos floor tiles, or asbestos-containing pipes in your home, it is better to get them replaced.

It is also advisable to get help if you see a significant amount of asbestos. If you are not sure how much asbestos is in your house, you may want to get an asbestos test done.

How Can I Ensure the Safety of My Home and Family?

In order to ensure the safety of your home and family, you should ensure that you are familiar with the regulations in your area. You also need to make sure that you are aware of the signs of a serious asbestos problem.

If you see signs or symptoms of health problems that could be caused by asbestos, you should contact a certified asbestos removal expert as soon as possible.

Conclusion

It is important to be aware of the presence of asbestos in your home. This way, you can protect your family from the harmful effects of asbestos. Should you discover that there is indeed asbestos in your home, don’t handle the removal yourself. Instead, contact a professional who is experienced in asbestos removal like AAA Restoration Utah. 

AAA Restoration Utah can provide you with asbestos testing in Utah to ensure that you check if your home has asbestos. This is the best way to see if your family is at risk of asbestos-related health concerns. Contact us today to get your home tested for asbestos presence!