Asbestos Testing
At EAHI, we strongly believe that asbestos testing is an essential step to take when purchasing a home or building. Despite being banned in many countries, asbestos continues to be a prevalent and dangerous substance in buildings built before the 1990s and is still present in many building materials today. In this article, we will outline some of the key reasons why asbestos testing should be a priority for anyone looking to buy or renovate a property.
Asbestos is a health hazard: Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was commonly used in building materials for many years. Exposure to asbestos has been linked to a number of serious health conditions, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These diseases can take decades to develop and can be fatal.
Asbestos is not always visible: Unlike mold or water damage, asbestos cannot always be seen with the naked eye. Asbestos fibers can be present in a wide range of building materials, including insulation, roofing, flooring, Sheetrock mud and Sheetrock, siding, caulks, and mastics, and pipes. Without testing, it is impossible to know if a building contains asbestos.
Asbestos testing is affordable: Asbestos testing is a relatively inexpensive process that can provide peace of mind and potentially save lives. Testing typically involves taking samples of building materials and sending them to a lab for analysis. The cost of testing varies depending on the size of the property and the number of samples taken, but it is generally affordable.
Asbestos can be managed: If asbestos is found in a property, it does not necessarily mean that the property is unsafe. Asbestos can be managed safely if it is not disturbed. However, if renovations or other work is planned, it is important to know where asbestos is located and take appropriate precautions.
Asbestos regulations vary by state: While the federal government has regulations in place regarding asbestos, regulations can vary by state. In some states, asbestos testing is mandatory before any renovation work can be carried out. Even if it is not mandatory in your state, it is still important to have testing done to ensure that you are not putting yourself or others at risk.
In conclusion, asbestos testing is an important step to take when purchasing a home or building. It can provide peace of mind and potentially save lives. We strongly encourage anyone considering a property purchase or renovation to have asbestos testing done by a professional.
