Asbestos FAQs

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that is used in construction. Asbestos fibers come in a variety of forms. Traditionally, these fibers were added to a range of items to reinforce them, offer heat insulation, and/or fire resistance. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can be harmful to one’s health.

Many modern items do not contain asbestos. Products that do have to have a label are mandated to have one. However, many types of building materials and insulating materials utilized in construction throughout the 1970s included asbestos.

Typical products from the past that may contain asbestos:

• Floor tiles (vinyl asbestos, asphalt, and rubber), vinyl sheet flooring backing, and adhesive used to lay floor tile
• Decorative or sound-proofing material sprayed on walls and ceilings. Patching AND Joint Compounds, as well as Texture Paints, are available for use on walls and ceilings.
• Asbestos Cement Roofing, Shingles, and Sidings.
• Artificial Ashes and Embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces. Also, other older household products such as Fire-Proof Gloves, Stove-Top Pads, Ironing Board Covers, and certain Hairdryers.
• Brake Pads and Linings for Automobiles, Clutch Facings, and Gaskets
• Insulated steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts using an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape.
• Cement Sheet, Millboard, and Paper used as insulation around furnaces and wood-burning stoves.
• Door Gaskets in furnaces, wood stoves, and coal stoves.

These items may emit hazardous asbestos fibers depending on how you contact with them. If you have any queries or issues, please contact us through our contact page.

Asbestosis is a disease that is caused by asbestos. This is a respiratory condition. Shortness of breath and a dry cracking sound in the lungs while breathing are two symptoms of asbestosis. The illness can lead to heart failure in its later stages.

Studies have shown asbestos can lead to an increased risk of:

Asbestosis causes lung cancer mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the chest and abdomen. The lungs get scarred with fibrous tissue as a result of this condition. The risk increases as the number of fibers breathed increases. If you smoke, you are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer from breathing asbestos fibers.

Don’t panic if you suspect asbestos in your home. It is usually better to leave asbestos material in excellent condition alone. In general, asbestos fibers will not be released from material in good condition. Asbestos St. Louis, MO check the material in regular basis if you think it may contain asbestos. However, do not touch it and instead search for evidence of wear or damage – especially if it has been exposed to water. Seek asbestos removal if you believe the situation is significant or if you believe the asbestos-containing material is in poor condition.

Professional Asbestos Removal is the only method to deal with this hazardous substance. Also, when remodeling a home, be sure there are no asbestos fibers present.

The only guaranteed method to tell if an item contains asbestos is to have it tested by a competent laboratory. The EPA suggests evaluating suspicious materials only if they are damaged (fraying, crumbling) or if you are planning a repair that may disturb the suspect material. Otherwise, it is better to avoid disturbing asbestos. A fully trained and licensed asbestos specialist should collect samples (inspector).

• Some vinyl floor tiles, as well as the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives, contain asbestos.
• In older homes, hot water and steam pipes may be coated with asbestos or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape.
• Asbestos insulation may be found in oil and coal stoves, as well as door gaskets.
• Asbestos cement is used to make roofing and siding shingles.
• Asbestos may have been used as insulation in homes built in the early to mid-1900s.
• Vermiculite ore is used to make attic and wall insulation (see the EPA’s 2003 brochure on Current Best Practices for Vermiculite Attic Insulation).
• Asbestos was included in textured paint and repair chemicals used on wall and ceiling joints prior to 1977.
• Asbestos may be present in artificial ashes and embers offered for use in gas-fired fireplaces.
• Asbestos compounds may be present in older items such as stove-top pads.
• Asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets can be used to protect the walls and floors surrounding wood-burning stoves.

DO

• Keep activities to a minimum in any places where damaged material containing asbestos may be present.
• Take every effort to prevent causing harm to asbestos-containing materials.
• Have asbestos removal and significant repairs performed by personnel who have been trained and qualified to work with asbestos. It is strongly advised that asbestos specialists do sampling and minor repairs as well.

DON’T

• Do not dust, sweep, or vacuum asbestos-containing material.
• Asbestos materials should not be sawed, sanded, scraped, or drilled.
• When removing wax from asbestos floors, never use abrasive pads or brushes on power strippers. On a dry floor, never use a power stripper.
• Avoid sanding or attempting to level asbestos flooring or its backing. If asbestos flooring needs to be replaced, a new floor covering should be installed over it if feasible.
• Do not bring asbestos-containing materials inside the residence. If you absolutely must walk through the area, get it cleaned with a damp mop. Call an asbestos specialist if the debris came from a damaged area or if a big area has to be cleaned.