IS THERE ASBESTOS HIDING IN YOUR BUILDING WALLS?

Asbestos is a well-known mineral menace that can turn your dream construction into a living nightmare.

Asbestos is a fibrous material made up of six different naturally occurring mineral substances. These substances are known for being fire resistant and for protecting against chemical corrosion.

Asbestos fibers are flexible, soft, and can be mixed into other materials—such as plastic or cement—in order to make them stronger.

Exposure to asbestos can cause scarring of the lungs and abdominal tissue, difficulty breathing, and can be the source of diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. There is no cure for mesothelioma, so take note of the following information before you tackle that fall home-remodeling project because mesothelioma is a painful cancer with no cure.

WHEN WAS ASBESTOS USED IN DRYWALL?

Small amounts of asbestos can sometimes be found in the “mud” or sealing agent used to fill gaps between drywall boards.
Asbestos was also used for fireproofing and insulation against cold and noise in many buildings and homes built before the 1990s.

Other commercial and construction industry products known to contain asbestos include floor and ceiling tiles, popcorn ceilings, house siding, industrial furnace and heating systems, car and truck brake pads, and vehicle transmission components.

WHAT TYPE OF ASBESTOS IS USED IN DRYWALL?

There are six legally recognized types of asbestos, the most common being chrysotile (aka “white asbestos”). Made popular as a key ingredient in drywall, white asbestos accounts for 95 percent of worldwide asbestos use…

The other five known types of asbestos are crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite.

WHAT DOES ASBESTOS IN DRYWALL LOOK LIKE?

Asbestos fibers are microscopic in size but can be pulled into a material that is fluffy in consistency because of their softness and flexibility. This makes them easy to work with for manufacturers in commercial and construction industries.

HOW DANGEROUS IS ASBESTOS IN DRYWALL?

If left sealed and undisturbed, asbestos in drywall is usually safe. However, if exposed, asbestos in drywall can pose a number of severe health risks to you and your loved ones including:

asbestosis (scarring of the lungs which causes difficulty breathing)

lung cancer, and mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer that attacks the chest lining and abdominal cavity)

Since asbestos exposure does not cause any immediate or noticeable symptoms, the fibers can stay in your body for years before any asbestos-related illnesses become apparent.

Contact us to get started on your next project, Call us: 562-438-7999 