Testing Lab Provides FREE Asbestos in Homes Poster for Real Estate, Inspection and Environmental Professionals.
EMSL Analytical, Inc., the nations largest asbestos testing laboratory is proud to announce that they have just recently released their Asbestos in Homes Poster for Real Estate, Inspection and Environmental Professionals. The decorative poster provides information on where asbestos can be found in homes.
Asbestos was applied extensively to buildings from 1935 to the mid 1970's. Chrysotile and Amosite, both separately and in blends were the predominant asbestos types used in building materials. Asbestos was used even by the ancient Greeks and Romans. The word "asbestos" is derived from the Greek language, meaning "inextinguishable". When processed (milled), asbestos separates into very thin fibers. These fibers are stronger than steel making it quite attractive for a wide range of applications.
When material containing asbestos is disturbed, there is a potential of asbestos fibers being released into the air. These fibers, so small that they are typically invisible to the naked eye, can remain airborne for extended periods. When inhaled they pose serious health issues including:
Asbestosis – Disease characterized by pulmonary fibrosis. This is a progressive scarring of the lung tissue. It is associated exclusively by chronic occupational exposure to asbestos. Symptoms are shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue.
Lung Cancer – Malignant tumor of the covering of the bronchi. Early symptom is a persistent
cough such as in bronchitis. Chest X-Rays sometimes show shadows that indicate tumors. The definitive testis a biopsy with microscopic analysis. The latency period is typically 20-30 years.
Mesothelioma – Cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal wall. Few symptoms early on.
By the time it is diagnosed it is almost always fatal. As with lung cancer the latency period is extended (typically 30-40 years).
Under the Clean Air Act of 1970, the EPA began regulating asbestos containing materials (ACM) which they define as >1% asbestos. Although it's current use in the U.S. is minimal, there is still a strong international market and imported products may therefore contain asbestos.
Asbestos was applied extensively to buildings from 1935 to the mid 1970's. Chrysotile and Amosite, both separately and in blends were the predominant asbestos types used in building materials. Asbestos was used even by the ancient Greeks and Romans. The word "asbestos" is derived from the Greek language, meaning "inextinguishable". When processed (milled), asbestos separates into very thin fibers. These fibers are stronger than steel making it quite attractive for a wide range of applications.
When material containing asbestos is disturbed, there is a potential of asbestos fibers being released into the air. These fibers, so small that they are typically invisible to the naked eye, can remain airborne for extended periods. When inhaled they pose serious health issues including:
Asbestosis – Disease characterized by pulmonary fibrosis. This is a progressive scarring of the lung tissue. It is associated exclusively by chronic occupational exposure to asbestos. Symptoms are shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue.
Lung Cancer – Malignant tumor of the covering of the bronchi. Early symptom is a persistent
cough such as in bronchitis. Chest X-Rays sometimes show shadows that indicate tumors. The definitive testis a biopsy with microscopic analysis. The latency period is typically 20-30 years.
Mesothelioma – Cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal wall. Few symptoms early on.
By the time it is diagnosed it is almost always fatal. As with lung cancer the latency period is extended (typically 30-40 years).
Under the Clean Air Act of 1970, the EPA began regulating asbestos containing materials (ACM) which they define as >1% asbestos. Although it's current use in the U.S. is minimal, there is still a strong international market and imported products may therefore contain asbestos.
posted by Chris Placitella | 10:06 AM
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