Get matched with top percolation testing pros in Garberville, CA

Knob and tube wiring is an older type of electrical wiring that's no longer used and generally not considered safe. However, some homes still have it, or may have a knob and tube wiring system that was incorrectly modified or rigged to work with a modern electrical system. Knob and tube wiring may contain asbestos insulation, but the only way to know is to have the material professionally tested.

Asbestos testing takes place in two stages—collection and lab testing. Collection can take less than 20 minutes if a professional manages to get a direct sample. If air samples are required, then the pro will set up a testing device and return to collect it. In both cases, the sample is sent to a lab and results are confirmed or denied usually within one to two days.

The microscopic asbestos fibers do not cause eye irritation, throat irritation, or lung irritation. If you are inhaling fibers, you will not know it. This lack of immediate symptoms is one of the reasons why asbestos is so dangerous. You cannot know for certain if you are inhaling fibers, which is why you must wear safety gear if you could have any chance of an exposure while working.

Asbestos has many beneficial properties, including fire resistance, strength, and chemical resistance. It is also an excellent insulator, which is why it was used in pipe insulation and other building materials for decades. For all its benefits, asbestos is dangerous for human health, which is why it was eventually banned from use in certain products.