Asbestos is a mineral fiber found in rocks. These mineral fibers can be made into cloth-like materials. Materials made of asbestos are strong, durable and fire and heat resistant. Asbestos products are not easily destroyed or degraded by natural processes. Because of these properties, asbestos has been used in different consumer, industrial, maritime, automotive and construction products. During the 20th century, more than 30 million tons of asbestos products have been used in different American homes, schools, buildings and offices.
Asbestos apparently has a bad side to it. Based on studies conducted on workers that have significant amount of time, exposure and inhalation, asbestos can lead to lung and stomach cancer. Some asbestos materials can break down to small fibers or powders that can be inhaled by workers or residents. These fibers can be so small, that they are not visible to the naked eye, yet they are very harmful if inhaled. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lung tissues, and after some years, could lead to cancer or mesothelioma.
But not all products with asbestos are harmful to our health. We should only avoid materials with asbestos that are soft, easily crumpled, cut or destroyed, for they might release fibers that can be exhaled. Also, based on the studies, people with extensive exposure to asbestos are the ones who are prone to developing cancer and other serious illness.
In the US, asbestos was primary found in heating and insulating system of houses and buildings. Many asbestos containing materials become popular in the country during the 1960’s.Other products containing asbestos are insulating cement, asbestos cloth, thermal seals, boiler insulation materials, vinyl floor tiles, adhesives, HVAC or ventilation and air conditioning units, roofing materials and insulated electrical wires.
When buying a home, it is best to have a certified home inspector inspect the building first in order to determine if the house has some asbestos components and to determine if they are still in good condition or need to be replaced or be completely removed.
At South Bay Home Inspections, we have certified home inspectors that can do visual inspections, and can identify materials with asbestos, as well as make recommendations after finding out if that component is in good shape, or there are better alternatives for that certain part. Our professional home inspectors will also look at your heating and ventilation systems to look for defects and other cause for concerns. Part of the certified home inspection is to look into different parts of the house including the roof, wall, kitchen, garage and patios plus other components.
South Bay Home Inspections can also provide you with Air Sampling as well as Mold Inspections, in order to inform you of the air quality inside your house.
South Bay home inspectors also conducts Pool and Spa Inspection Packages for those who want to be sure that their pool is free from mold, asbestos fibers, insects and other harmful objects.
All our certified home inspectors and mold inspectors are constantly undergoing training for the latest development in the industry of home inspections.
To give you more confidence on why you should choose us as your home inspections company, we at the South Bay Homes Inspections is a proud member of these well known organizations such as the:
ü American Society of Home Inspectors or ASHI
ü American Council for Accredited Certification or ACAC
ü International Code Council or ICC
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