During much of the last century, asbestos was widely used in various construction applications, including industrial, commercial, educational, healthcare, and residential structures. Beginning in the 1970s, the use of asbestos began to decline as health concerns due to exposure to asbestos fibers became much more widely recognized.
Fast-forward to today, and many of the building materials that contain asbestos from decades ago still exist in homes and buildings. Tragically, exposure to asbestos fibers over time is known to cause diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
With regard to asbestos in residential settings, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shares the following:
Generally, you can't tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labeled. If in doubt, treat the material as if it contains asbestos and leave it alone. You may want to have your home inspected for asbestos-containing materials by a trained and accredited asbestos professional if you are planning to remodel your home (remodeling can disturb building materials), or your home has damaged building materials (like crumbling drywall and insulation that is falling apart).
“Asbestos is only a hazard if you ingest or inhale it. Undisturbed asbestos is not a threat because it cannot be eaten or breathed. But degradation due to age, manipulation by renovation or demolition, damage by floods or fires, and other disruptions all increase the potential for exposure to released airborne asbestos fibers,” said Derrick A. Denis, Senior Vice President for Clark Seif Clark, Inc. “Many building owners and occupants are surprised to find that although asbestos use reduced in the latter part of the last century, its use did not stop. Asbestos installation continues to occur to this day. As such, the EPA requires presumption of asbestos in buildings or testing to verify asbestos status regardless of the building's age. And independent of the date of construction, OSHA requires protecting workers from exposure to airborne asbestos fibers.” Mr. Denis continued, “Citations, fines, and even prison time all occur when violations are exposed. In many cases, the violator was merely ignorant of the long-standing federal laws and the continued use of asbestos. CSC is busy providing education, testing services, and guidance on this important health topic.”
Dedicated to protecting workers and the public are the asbestos experts at CSC. Their professionals offer resources to identify and mitigate exposure risks to asbestos and other hazardous materials. These services are also essential for keeping companies and institutions in regulatory compliance. CSC has even sponsored an educational video about things to consider if asbestos is suspected in a residential building that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/g9F5DAMd4Zo
To learn more about asbestos or other environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com, or call 800-807-1118.
About Clark Seif Clark, Inc. (CSC)
Since 1996, CSC has helped clients in both the public and private sectors address indoor air quality, occupational health, and environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers, and real estate professionals.
— WebWireID342094 —
