Asbestos has a wide variety of uses in many industries. Resistant to corrosion, light weight and resistant to heat, asbestos fibers have been mixed into compounds and woven into cloth to be used in manufacturing and construction. Shipbuilding industries have used asbestos to insulate boilers, hot water pipes and steam pipes. In construction, asbestos has been used in roofing shingles, siding, and vinyl flooring.
Demolition, remodeling or repairs to older buildings in the Charleston area could release tiny asbestos fibers into the air where they are carried inside buildings.
Items containing asbestos may not appear any differently than items that don’t contain asbestos. Treat an item that you suspect many contain asbestos as if it does until it can be determined otherwise. If the material is possibly releasing fibers into the air, due to damage, limit exposure to the material until it can be removed or repaired by a professional. Having an older building tested before beginning repairs or remodeling could limit exposure to asbestos fibers.
Here at Pinnacle, we use the most advanced techniques to detect asbestos. We employ multiple techniques such as Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to identify asbestos down to a tenth of a micrometer. Using the same methods as the EPA, we are able to deliver precise results, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your test.
Inhaled particles of asbestos can cause many health problems. Exposure to asbestos has been linked to mesothelioma, lung and other types cancer, as well as asbestosis. When exposed to asbestos smokers are at a higher risk to develop these health problems. These diseases can take years to develop and become evident.
