Asbestos Inspections in Colorado
In today’s world, where being healthy has become our top priority, nobody wants to be exposed to hazardous chemicals that can wreak havoc on our well-being. Asbestos is one such chemical widely used in building materials, floor tiles, and insulation pipes from 1940 until it was finally banned in 1978.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals known for their resistance to heat, fire, and corrosion. These minerals, including amosite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and crocidolite, are composed of durable fibers that were widely used in construction materials. Due to its insulating properties, asbestos was commonly found in products like insulation, roofing shingles, floor tiles, and cement.
However, when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed during building renovations or demolitions, microscopic fibers can be released into the air. Inhalation of these fibers poses serious health risks, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma—a rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. The health effects of asbestos exposure can take decades to manifest, making it a hidden danger.
What Is Asbestos Testing?
While asbestos is no longer used in newly constructed buildings, its presence still lingers in structures built before the 1989 ban. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces strict regulations on asbestos abatement, particularly in states like Colorado, to identify and manage buildings that pose significant health risks.
Given the potential dangers, it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect your buildings and remove any traces of asbestos to ensure a safe, disease-free environment. But how can you effectively do this?
That’s where PineBreeze Inspections comes in! We specialize in identifying and eliminating asbestos, ensuring your property is safe and compliant with all regulations.
PineBreeze Inspections – Your Partner in Safety!
Combining industry know-how, over 20 years of experience, and dedication in one place, we at PineBreeze Inspections offer reliable asbestos testing services to help you eliminate hazardous minerals and take your overall safety to new heights. And it’s not about testing in general—we emphasize the latest industry standards, rigorous analysis, and innovative resources, making it easy for you to comply with the regulations and secure your environment in no time!
Whether you want to demolish or renovate your building, your best bet for asbestos testing is to partner with PineBreeze Inspections.
How Is Asbestos Testing Carried Out?
At PineBreeze Inspections, we’ve cultivated some of the most competent asbestos testing services experts who go the extra mile to hit the nail on the head. Over the years, we’ve completed thousands of jobs and are fully aware of the ins and outs of asbestos testing. Here’s how we furnish it:
Our Process:
During the testing process, our professionals will come to your doorstep and collect samples of different materials. These samples will then be sent to the laboratory, where we’ll check whether asbestos particles are present.
We also monitor air quality to detect particles in the atmosphere. If asbestos is detected, we will share a comprehensive overview of the entire abatement process along with a market-competitive quote to help you make informed decisions about your building.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?
The same characteristics that make asbestos useful also make it dangerous. The microscopic asbestos fibers can’t be smelled, tasted, or seen, so it’s hard to know if you’ve been exposed to it. When you are exposed to asbestos, the fibers become trapped in your body.
Over time, these fibers cause inflammation, scarring, and eventually genetic damage to the body’s cells. Asbestos can lead to numerous types of diseases and illnesses, some of which are hard to recover from. Because of this, mineral fibers are now recognized as a health hazard and are regulated by both OSHA and the EPA.
While no asbestos exposure is ideal, asbestos exposure once isn’t likely to cause issues. The problems occur when you’re exposed regularly, over a long period of time, or to an intense concentration. With each exposure, the level of asbestos in your body accumulates, as it has no way to leave. Right now, there is no way to reverse the damage this causes.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?
Many people know that it’s possible to be exposed to asbestos in old buildings where it was used. However, because asbestos is not banned in the United States, you can still be exposed to it anywhere it is used. Specific products that may still contain asbestos are listed on the EPA’s website and include some of the following examples:
- Heat-resistant fabrics.
- Walls and floors around wood-burning stoves.
- Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesives used.
- Roofing and siding shingles.
- Attic and wall insulation that contains vermiculite.
- Textured paint and patching compounds found on walls and ceilings.
- Pipes covered with heat-resistant material.
Asbestos-Related Diseases
Asbestos exposure can lead to several severe health conditions, affecting the lungs and other parts of the body. Understanding these diseases is crucial for recognizing symptoms and seeking early treatment. Below is a list of several known asbestos-related diseases.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. These tiny fibers get stuck in the lungs, leading to scarring and damage that makes it harder for the lungs to work. Although asbestosis is not a form of cancer, it has no cure and can be deadly if not managed. People with asbestosis often experience chest pain, lose their appetite (which can lead to weight loss), and have trouble breathing.
Over time, the scarring from asbestos fibers can make the lungs harden, depriving the body of oxygen, which can be fatal. In severe cases, asbestosis can also lead to other serious health problems like heart failure or even mesothelioma, a type of cancer.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a severe and rare cancer that is only caused by asbestos exposure. It can develop in the lining of the lungs, heart, abdomen, or testicles. Unfortunately, most people are not diagnosed with mesothelioma until the cancer has already spread, making it more challenging to treat. If caught early, though, patients may live several years after diagnosis.
The symptoms of mesothelioma usually take 20-50 years to appear, and by the time they do, the cancer may have already spread throughout the body. Those diagnosed with mesothelioma should explore their options for possible compensation.
Lung Cancer
Asbestos exposure can also lead to lung cancer, which happens when asbestos fibers get trapped in the lungs and cause cancerous tumors to form. Every year, about 4,000 cases of lung cancer are linked to asbestos. While lung cancer is severe, it can sometimes be treated successfully if caught early. Lung cancer tumors often appear as growths that can be removed, which may improve a patient’s chances of survival.
Interstitial Fibrosis
Interstitial fibrosis refers to a group of over 200 lung diseases, including asbestosis, that cause scarring in the tissue between the air sacs in the lungs. This scarring is often due to exposure to harmful airborne materials like asbestos. The main symptoms are a dry cough and shortness of breath, which can worsen with physical activity.
Once lung scarring happens, it’s usually permanent. While some treatments may slow down the damage, many people with interstitial fibrosis do not regain full lung function. In some cases, a lung transplant might be an option.
Is Asbestos Banned In The US?
At PineBreeze Inspections, we’ve cultivated some of the most competent asbestos testing services experts who go the extra mile to hit the nail on the head. Over the years, we’ve completed thousands of jobs and are fully aware of the ins and outs of asbestos testing. Here’s how we furnish it:
How Can You Protect Yourself?
The best way to protect yourself from asbestos-related diseases is to avoid asbestos exposure. Avoiding high-risk jobs in the workplace may be impossible, but regulations are put in place now to help. The EPA has been working to protect Americans from the hazards associated with exposure to asbestos, including banning certain asbestos-containing products and materials and using these products in the future.
At home, it may be smart to think about hiring someone to do an asbestos inspection and getting them to remove any found. Some other safety precautions to use to avoid exposure include:
- Sealing off any renovation work area with plastic sheets.
- Turning on air conditioners when working.
- Wearing a mask, disposable coveralls, and gloves during debris handling.
- Using a HEPA filter when cleaning.
- Disposing of any potentially asbestos-containing waste safely
No matter the supposed “benefits” of asbestos, the deadly mineral should never be used — there are always alternatives.
A Healthy Tomorrow BEgins Today
Are you looking for a trustworthy asbestos testing facility near me? Do you want to target asbestos at its roots? Are you seeking to comply with the EPA regulations?
No matter the goal, PineBreeze Inspections is your go-to place for accomplishing everything without a hassle. Contact us today to ensure a safe and healthy tomorrow!