Here’s our newsletter for April 2016.
Asbestos: Understanding the Risks
It isn’t always easy to distinguish fact from fiction these days. We have greater access to information than ever before. The challenge is how to determine what information is reliable and what is not. When it comes to the facts on asbestos, be sure to get your information from professionals and authoritative sources, not hearsay. Let’s start with a basic understanding of what asbestos is and how it has been used in home construction over the years. What Is Asbestos? Where Is It Found? Many people are surprised to learn that asbestos is a natural material, not manmade.
It is a mineral fiber found in the soil or rocks. The fibers are naturally heat resistant and can offer an insulation factor as well. These two benefits are why asbestos began to be used in building materials. Between 1930 and 1950, asbestos became a popular insulating material for homes, replacing the flammable types of insulations used previously. But that was just the beginning. Asbestos also made its way into roofing and siding, pipe insulation, flooring tiles and various patching materials for ceilings and walls. Its fire resistance made it perfect for protecting areas around wood burning stoves.
What Health Risks Are Posed by Asbestos? First of all, having asbestos in your home or workplace is not a cause for alarm. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: “The mere presence of asbestos in a home or a building is not hazardous.” The asbestos in building products only becomes a health issue when the fibers are disturbed and released into the air where they can be inhaled. Factory workers who were exposed to significant amounts of asbestos in their environment have shown an increased risk for lung cancer and mesothelioma.
The risk increases in proportion to the amount of fibers inhaled. HEALTHY, WEALTHY & WISE APRIL 2016 Published exclusively for clients of Professional Carpet Systems 303.403.1900 main 303.548.5946 emergency www.pcssuperior.com