What is Asbestos?
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals known for their durability, heat resistance, and chemical resilience. In construction, asbestos was commonly used in products such as insulation, fireproofing, and roofing materials. However, when asbestos fibers are disturbed and become airborne, they can be inhaled or ingested, embedding in bodily tissues. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to severe health conditions, including asbestosis (a lung disease), lung cancer, mesothelioma (a cancer of the lung and organ linings), and gastrointestinal cancer. The symptoms of these diseases often appear decades after exposure.
Testing for asbestos is crucial to identify its presence and prevent harmful exposure during construction, renovation, or demolition activities. Since asbestos fibers can become airborne when disturbed, testing helps ensure appropriate safety measures are implemented to protect workers and occupants. Testing is especially important for older buildings, as asbestos was commonly used in construction materials before its risks were widely recognized. Proper testing and identification allow for safe removal or management, minimizing the risk of severe health issues such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Asbestos can be found in a variety of building materials, particularly in structures built before the 1980s. Common materials include sprayed-on fireproofing, pipe insulation, roofing shingles, cement sheets and pipes, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, drywall joint compounds, and acoustical products. Identifying asbestos in these materials is essential to comply with safety regulations and prevent the release of hazardous fibers during handling.