What does asbestos do to humans?

• <div><p>When asbestos fibers become airborne, they enter a person's respiratory system. These fibers scar and damage the lungs and often lead to serious cancers like mesothelioma. Like many dangers in the house, asbestos isn’t easy to see when it could be causing serious damage. The amount of time exposed, combined with the person’s tolerance for asbestos inhalation and the amount inhaled, will all contribute to health problems.</p></div>

Do I need to be worried about asbestos?

• <div><p>If your home was built before 1989 and still has original vinyl, there’s a high probability of asbestos mixed into the old flooring, which can harm you and your family if it’s disturbed from removal. If you suspect that you have asbestos, you’ll want to call in <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/asbestos-abatement/">an asbestos removal expert</a> to evaluate the situation. </p></div>

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Q: What magnification do you need to see asbestos fibers?

• <div><p>If you own a stereo microscope, you should be able to see the fibers. The stereo microscope often can perform magnification up to 50x. But unless you have experience viewing asbestos fibers, you may not know exactly what you are seeing. Some fibers are curly, while others are long and straight. Blue, brown, white, and gray colored fibers are all possible.</p></div>

Q: How long do asbestos fibers stay in the air?

• <div><p>Asbestos fibers can stay airborne for 48 to 72 hours, depending on the home's ventilation. Fibers can linger longer in enclosed spaces with poor airflow. Because the fibers are microscopic, they can easily remain suspended, making them difficult to detect without professional equipment.</p></div>

Q: Do home inspections check for asbestos?

• <div><p>Unfortunately, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/do-home-inspections-check-for-asbestos.htm">home inspections do not check for asbestos</a> because of the liability factor involved. That&rsquo;s why you should hire a trained professional with specialized equipment to test for it. </p><p>They will inspect all areas of the home and take samples of various materials to test. Opting for an asbestos inspection can prevent the risk of exposure to this hazardous material and save on costly repairs that may be required. </p></div>

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Percolation Tests questions, answered by experts

If you own a stereo microscope, you should be able to see the fibers. The stereo microscope often can perform magnification up to 50x. But unless you have experience viewing asbestos fibers, you may not know exactly what you are seeing. Some fibers are curly, while others are long and straight. Blue, brown, white, and gray colored fibers are all possible.

When asbestos fibers become airborne, they enter a person's respiratory system. These fibers scar and damage the lungs and often lead to serious cancers like mesothelioma. Like many dangers in the house, asbestos isn’t easy to see when it could be causing serious damage. The amount of time exposed, combined with the person’s tolerance for asbestos inhalation and the amount inhaled, will all contribute to health problems.

Asbestos fibers can stay airborne for 48 to 72 hours, depending on the home's ventilation. Fibers can linger longer in enclosed spaces with poor airflow. Because the fibers are microscopic, they can easily remain suspended, making them difficult to detect without professional equipment.

If your home was built before 1989 and still has original vinyl, there’s a high probability of asbestos mixed into the old flooring, which can harm you and your family if it’s disturbed from removal. If you suspect that you have asbestos, you’ll want to call in an asbestos removal expert to evaluate the situation.

Unfortunately, home inspections do not check for asbestos because of the liability factor involved. That’s why you should hire a trained professional with specialized equipment to test for it.

They will inspect all areas of the home and take samples of various materials to test. Opting for an asbestos inspection can prevent the risk of exposure to this hazardous material and save on costly repairs that may be required.

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