Why Is an Air Quality Test for Asbestos Crucial for Good Health?

Even though tiny particles of asbestos can’t be seen, they can devastate your lungs. While the use of asbestos has dramatically declined, some older homes may still contain it, which is why we recommend air quality tests for asbestos. Your health depends upon it.

As your leading air quality and restoration company in Burlington, Greensboro and the Triangle area, we know all too well the dangers of exposed asbestos. Because asbestos doesn’t irritate your eyes or skin, it’s difficult to determine if particles are in your air without an air quality test for asbestos. 

Since 1989, we’ve helped families and businesses maintain safe, healthy air quality through our testing. If you know asbestos has been used in your home or business, we encourage you to make the right call and contact us today.

What Is Asbestos and Why Is It a Health Concern?

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that has been frequently used in buildings as insulation, due to its fire-resistance and strength. It is commonly found in older homes—the use of asbestos wasn’t discontinued until the 1980s. 

In fact, there are an estimated 30 million homes and buildings in the U.S. that utilize some kind of material containing asbestos.

What Materials Can Contain Asbestos?

• Floor tiles
• Wallboard
• Siding shingles
• Heat-resistant fabrics
• Automotive parts

Asbestos Health Concerns

Due to its fibrous nature, old and brittle asbestos can easily release microscopic fibers. You can’t see them or smell them, but they can stay suspended in the air and be inhaled into your lungs, causing severe damage that can go undetected for years. 

This is one reason that an asbestos air quality test is often necessary, especially if working on some of these older structures.

Inhaling asbestos can lead to lung disease and lung cancer. Although asbestos is not illegal and is not banned, its serious health risks have led to strict government regulations on its manufacture. 

When Is an Air Quality Test for Asbestos Recommended?

If your home has been damaged by water or fire, any asbestos present may be compromised or exposed. Any time asbestos is disturbed, it presents a health hazard. 

Are you conducting renovations? That’s another situation where you’ll want to carefully monitor your air quality, particularly if you have an older home.

We have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of fires and flooding. We know you want to get back into your home as quickly as possible. We want you to as well, but we want to help ensure you do so safely. A large part of our scope of services is testing your air quality to determine if there are still contaminants—asbestos or otherwise—in the air that can cause serious health problems. 

How Does an Asbestos Air Quality Test Work?

We take a sample of air from your environment using a sampling pump. The pump has a filter that “traps” asbestos fibers. Then, the filter is evaluated under a microscope. The number of fibers is counted, giving an accurate representation of how much asbestos could be in the air. 

You may later need reassurance testing, which is a follow-up to determine if the asbestos has been successfully removed so you can safely occupy your home or business.  

If Asbestos Is Found, How Is It Removed?

First, you should never attempt to remove asbestos by yourself. This is not a DIY job. Serious health complications can occur if the tiny particles of asbestos make their way into your lungs.

In addition, the U.S. government has strict guidelines for asbestos removal. Licensed professionals—like our staff at First Call— have to take training courses and follow very specific steps. 

These steps include:

• Safely sealing off the work area to prevent asbestos fibers from spreading
• Cleaning filters and air ducts with HEPA air filters
• Wearing protective equipment when removing the asbestos
• Conducting detailed inspections to ensure that all asbestos has been removed
• Sealing the asbestos in labeled, double plastic bags and taking it to an approved hazardous materials waste disposal site.
• Cleaning the room afterward again with HEPA filters and wiping it down to ensure all asbestos is removed

If you discover asbestos, make the right call and contact us at First Call. We’ll put our experience and expertise to work for you, providing the safe, healthy home you deserve.

Make the Right Call: Let First Call Handle Your Asbestos Air Quality Testing

When it comes to your health, you shouldn’t take chances. The air quality in your home can dramatically impact your well-being, so it’s vital to be sure contaminants are safely removed, particularly when they can cause serious illnesses.

We invite you to see why businesses and homeowners across the Triangle and Triad regions have depended upon First Call to keep their environment sound and safe. Contact us for air quality testing today.