Evidence of asbestos use for a variety of purposes goes back a staggering 750,000 years. In the ancient world. asbestos fibers were used as wicks, for mummy preservation, and for fireproofing cloths. Since the Industrial Revolution, the demand for asbestos for insulating pipes and boilers created an industry that would later become ubiquitous in buildings up till only the recent past. When it came to cheap, fireproof insulation, asbestos had long been a common choice. However, there was just one problem: asbestos causes lung disease and various types of cancer. Between the 1930s and the 1980s in the U.S., there were a great deal of houses built with asbestos-containing cement, roofing tiles, sealants, coatings, and other construction materials. Since asbestos doesn’t cause immediate symptoms and can be difficult to identify, it can be nearly impossible to know whether or not you are at risk without expert analysis. That’s why, if you are in or near Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, we encourage you to reach out to Seitz Environmental Inc. to schedule an asbestos inspection today. You and your family may be at risk just by breathing the air in your home, if it has been built with materials containing asbestos (which you won’t know for sure unless you test it).
What Is Asbestos?
There are a number of different types of asbestos, but they are all essentially minerals that have been broken down into a wool-like consistency. Asbestos is an effective and fireproof insulator that, when inhaled or ingested, becomes forever trapped in one’s body. As these minerals build up in the body over time, they lead to symptoms of inflammation, internal scarring, and cell damage.
Asbestos-Related Illnesses
No amount of asbestos is safe, but you are especially at risk if you breathe in high concentrations of it over long periods of time. There are a number of illnesses caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is known to be the exclusive cause of a particularly aggressive cancer called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor caused by asbestos, forming in the lungs or lining of the heart. The life expectancy of someone who is diagnosed with mesothelioma is less than one year. Asbestos also causes less extreme illnesses as well, most commonly lung disease.
Why Is Asbestos Still Legal in the US?
Despite carrying extreme health risks, in countries including Russia, China, India, and the United States, asbestos is still legal. Asbestos is currently highly regulated in the USA, and has been on track to become totally banned by the EPA in the near future. It wasn’t until the 1980s that asbestos started to become regulated, primarily due to labor unions fighting to protect the health of workers, as well as the emergence of cheap alternatives like polyurethane foam and amorphous silica fabric.
Is There Asbestos in Your Home?
It’s impossible to know without testing whether there is or isn’t asbestos in your home. To make sure that your home is safe, you should hire a professional asbestos testing company to examine it. Our team at Seitz Environmental Inc. comprises experienced asbestos testers who take extra precautions to ensure your home is asbestos free. In particular, if you live in or near Ambler, Pennsylvania — where there is an asbestos industry work site — you should get your home tested immediately. If you need asbestos testing or asbestos removal in or near Lehigh Valley, contact us now to schedule an appointment.
What if We Find Asbestos in Your Home?
If and when asbestos is found in your home, the removal, collection, and disposal of it must legally be conducted by certified asbestos removal professionals, according to Pennsylvania law. For the past 44 years, our family has been serving the residents of Pennsylvania with the aim of making your home safer. Contact us now and find out what we can do for you.
