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DEFINITION OF ASBESTOS

The United States Department of Health and Human Services has determined that asbestos is a known carcinogen. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that there are asbestos containing materials in most of the nation's 107,000 schools and over 733,000 public and commercials buildings.

WHAT IS ASBESTOS?

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the environment that is made up of long, thin fibers that look similar to fiberglass. Because of its strengthening, heat and sound proofing capability, manufacturers have used asbestos to make many different products including, pipe insulation, ceiling and floor tile, paints, caulking, fire resistant clothing, and brake pads.

HOW DO YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH ASBESTOS?

Although the EPA has established a very broad ban on the use of asbestos, it is still a health hazard in many homes, offices and schools. Asbestos fibers come from the breakdown of man-made products such as insulation, paints, caulking, table pads, draperies, ceiling and floor tiles, roof shingles, cement, hair dryers and many other products. As asbestos becomes friable (chipped, cracked, crumbly, powdery, flaky or decayed), the fibers can be released into the air and then inhaled.

WHAT CAN ASBESTOS DO TO YOU?

The United States Department of Health and Human Services has determined that asbestos is a known carcinogen. When inhaled, even in small amounts, asbestos fibers can cause a range of severe diseases including lung cancer, asbestosis (an irreversible scarring of the lungs similar to emphysema), and mesothelioma (a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings which causes tumors which grow, spread rapidly and are 100% fatal). Exposure to asbestos may also increase the risk of other cancers such as those of the larynx (throat) and of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach).

HOW DO YOU FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE AN ASBESTOS PROBLEM?

Visit our site for a Do It Yourself Asbestos Kit or Get More Information On Asbestos Removal. Asbestos Test Kits.