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Asbestos has been a known health hazard for some time now and many countries have banned the use of asbestos in the home and building industry.
Its uses have certainly played a major role in keeping homes and buildings well-insulated. It is a naturally occurring mineral mined from rock formations and it is either used on its own or added to other building materials such as cement. The use of asbestos flourished after World War II and it wasn’t until the 1980s that the general public became more aware of the health hazard asbestos was posing.
When you have recently moved into a new home, you might want to consider having your space tested for asbestos especially if it was built before the 80s. The use of asbestos was completely banned in 2003 and between the 80s and early 2000s, companies have slowly stopped using asbestos. An asbestos testing service is a pretty common practice for new homeowners who have purchased a relatively old building.
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Why Asbestos is Banned
We cannot deny how helpful asbestos truly is. It is a lightweight material that does not easily erode or deteriorate. It is an insulating material and also acts as a conductor of electricity. For these reasons, the home and building industry made full use of asbestos for many decades, not realizing the health hazard it poses to unsuspecting homeowners.
What makes it deadly is that its fibers are so fine that it is practically impossible for the naked eye to see. These fibers can easily be inhaled, causing deadly illnesses such as lung cancer. There is also evidence proving that asbestos can linger in the air without our knowledge.
Asbestos can get into the air if, for example, you decide to renovate your home. Tearing down a wall or taking the roof apart may actually be hazardous if you are unaware that there are asbestos fillings in them.
It is best to have a professional test your surroundings for traces of asbestos before you do anything. If there is any asbestos detected, you can have it removed professionally. Zero detection of asbestos means you can rest easy because you and your family are safe.
Choosing the Best Company
When it comes to asbestos testing, choose a company that has a good track record. Here are some helpful tips to guide you through:
Choose a company that tests, not one that removes, asbestos
Testing and removal of asbestos generally go hand in hand but it would be much better to hire a company that only focuses on one service alone. This will ensure that the quality of service they provide is geared towards your needs. There is also something else to consider: when they discover that there is asbestos, this will work to their advantage as they also provide removal services. There is a conflict of interest.
Another red flag to watch out for is when the company offers a slew of services such as plumbing, carpentry, etc.
Check for certification
Asbestos testing and removal is a serious undertaking since our health is heavily affected. With this in mind, go for companies that have personnel who have been certified to do what needs to be done.
Don’t be afraid to ask the company for proof of certification. They should not be bothered and will willingly show you their papers.
If they have nothing to show or are beating around the bush, best to skip them altogether.
Look into the company’s accreditation
If the company is truly an asbestos-testing company, it should hold the proper accreditation. This means that the employees have undergone training and seminars to help them get the job done.
