Get matched with top percolation testing pros in Semmes, AL

Asbestos was most commonly produced and integrated into building products from the 1920s to the late 1980s. In reality, asbestos use should have ceased much sooner because asbestos was linked to cancer in studies produced as early as the 1950s. You can even extend that number past the 1980s due to stockpiled materials and because some countries treat asbestos use differently. It may also be found more in commercial applications than residential.

If you think you’ve touched asbestos, do not put on a mask. This is important because you may take the asbestos fibers on your hands on trap them in the mask. Make your way to a sink and wash your hands thoroughly. Remove any clothes and seal them in a bag, then take a shower. Call your doctor and let them know you’ve been exposed to asbestos, and make sure you see them as soon as possible. The reason you keep the clothes is in case anyone wants to confirm the presence of asbestos.

It can be safe to live in a house with asbestos as long as the asbestos-containing materials are intact, in good condition, and not disturbed. Asbestos becomes dangerous only when its fibers are released into the air, which happens if the material is damaged, crumbling, or disturbed during renovation work. If you suspect asbestos is present, do not disturb it. Instead of removal, materials in good condition can sometimes be encapsulated. It is recommended to have regular professional inspections to monitor the condition of the asbestos and prevent health risks from potential exposure.

If you hire a dedicated asbestos inspector near you in addition to your local home inspector, it will cost between $200 and $800. If, however, your general home inspector happens to be certified as an asbestos inspector, they can charge you a smaller fee and tack on the cost to the home inspection. In general, home inspectors do not do physical testing, but will provide a visual assessment so you know what you are working with.