Best percolation testing pros near Caro, MI

While asbestos can’t be directly absorbed through the skin—the fibers are too big—skin contact can still produce symptoms. Contact dermatitis can flare up in sensitive individuals but in most cases, the danger from asbestos comes from inhaling the fibers, or dust, that is produced when asbestos is disturbed. If you touch asbestos by accident, immediately wash yourself and your clothes.

Depending on the size of your home, the inspection process could take a few hours or a few days. While inspecting your home, the asbestos specialist will take small sections of the potentially contaminated material. They will then send the sample to an accredited laboratory or the local health department for testing. 

The cost of asbestos testing depends on your location, the home's size, and the testing area's complexity. Plan to spend between $230 and $800 for testing. During testing and while handling potential asbestos, the specialist may wear protective gear, including gloves, overalls, appropriate footwear, and respiratory equipment.

Asbestos itself does not typically leak from a roof. However, if an asbestos-containing roof is damaged or deteriorated, it can release asbestos fibers into the air. This can occur when the roof is disturbed, such as during maintenance or repairs, or due to weathering over time. Exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can be harmful to health, so it is important to address any damaged asbestos roofs promptly and safely.

Unlike some home problems, such as water damage or pest infestations, asbestos can be very difficult to spot. Asbestos is a mineral in the form of microscopic fibers and was previously used in building materials for its bonding and fireproofing abilities. Insulation, roof shingles, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, pipe wrappings, soundproofing materials, and textured paint features like popcorn ceilings are common sources of asbestos, particularly in homes built before 1980.

Age is perhaps the biggest indicator of asbestos, as legislation passed in the 1970s labeled asbestos as dangerous and regulated its use in building materials. Signs of age in the form of wear and tear or material degradation are also indicators that asbestos fibers may be leaking into the air, but ultimately, it’s difficult to detect with the naked eye. If you have reason to suspect asbestos in your home, it’s best to hire a certified asbestos inspector.