Pima County has a great website about home asbestos issues. It first explains that asbestos is simply a mineral fiber. The only way to be sure that asbestos exists is to use a microscope to magnify the asbestos fiber images. Asbestos was a very popular construction material because it is a superior insulator and is fire resistant.
Leave It Alone
If asbestos is found in the home, the best practice is to leave it alone. Asbestos that is sealed and encased in pipe insulation, for example, is not necessarily a hazard. If the insulation is disturbed and the asbestos fibers are allowed to escape, serious health consequences can result.
Consequences
Exposure to occasional minute asbestos amounts may not cause health issues. Contact with fibers that have been released from disturbed asbestos-containing materials (ACM), however, can cause a lot of trouble.
If asbestos is released from crumbling, scraped, sawed, or sanded ACM, large amounts can be inhaled. The problem is that asbestos fibers can remain in the lungs for a long time and result in:
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
- GI issues
If You Find ACM in Your Home
Pima County advises that you follow these guidelines if you suspect ACM in your residence:
- Limit any activities near the problem areas.
- Follow all precautions when removing asbestos.
- Have work done only by qualified and trained asbestos handlers.
- Do not sweep, vacuum, or dust near any construction, remodeling, or asbestos remediation areas.
- Never sand, drill, scrape, or in any way disturb ACM.
Manage the Problem
If you find that you have asbestos pipe insulation, for example, and the insulation is sound and undamaged, do nothing! If there are holes or broken areas, repair is necessary. Exposed ACM can be sealed, but only a professional should handle the work.
The affected area can also be wrapped or covered. Make sure you do not attempt this yourself and do not hesitate to call a qualified contractor.
Minor or Major Repair
A minor repair can be categorized as an area smaller than your open hand. Any repair necessary on an area larger than your hand should be considered a major repair.
Contractors
Only properly trained persons should attempt an asbestos repair regardless of the size. If you do hire outside contractors, make sure they have proof that they have been properly trained and understand all safety procedures.
Also, confirm that all contractors have proper licenses along with mandatory certificates of insurance. You can also ask for a list of previous customers.
Arizona Area Asbestos Exposure Sites
- Austad Steel Construction Company
- Moorhead Construction Company
- Queens Printers
- Motorola
- J-Haul International
- Heflin Steel
- Faber Enterprise
- Bechtel
- Stearns Roger
- Honeywell
Have You Been Exposed? You Need a Tucson Mesothelioma Attorney
If you are worried about asbestos in or near your home or workplace, you need to contact a qualified Tucson Mesothelioma Attorney like the Throneberry Law Group. The Throneberry Law Group provides aggressive and compassionate support and representation for asbestos cancer victims. Call an experienced Throneberry Law Group attorney today at (888) 506-1131, or visit them online for 24/7 assistance.
