Once acknowledged as exceptional for fireproofing and insulating in Washington, D.C. homes, asbestos is widely known as a dangerous fibrous material. When its fibers become airborne and these fibers are inhaled, it can cause havoc on a person’s lungs possibly causing mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
It is hard to tell where asbestos could be in your home in Washington, D.C because it has been so widely used for a variety of products, so it could almost be in any room of your home. Popcorn ceilings are famous for containing asbestos as is drywall joint compound, floor tiles, and vinyl flooring. If you suspect that you might have asbestos in your Washington, D.C. home, there are numerous at-home asbestos testing kits that you can purchase, take samples and send to a lab. However, asbestos testing by an accredited professional is recommended by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) instead of using at-home asbestos testing for homes in Washington, D.C.
As long as asbestos is not disturbed, it will not harm you. However, any home built in Washington, D.C.before 1980 stands a good chance of having asbestos-containing materials and should have an asbestos testing performed before doing any remodeling. Asbestos fibers are odorless, tasteless and something you cannot really see.
Asbestos testing by a professional will safeguard your family against further exposure to asbestos. Once tested and confirmed by an asbestos testing professional that your home does have asbestos-containing materials, removing asbestos from homes in Washington, D.C. should also be done by a professional asbestos abatement contractor who is trained to properly seal off areas to avoid spreading asbestos dust throughout the house. These professionals in Washington, D.C. have the proper equipment to clean the air during the removal process. They also wear protective gear which is required by OSHA to keep themselves safe.
Before you put your family at risk, call an asbestos testing professional to check your home in Washington, D.C. if you are uncertain that a particular material contains asbestos. It is better to be safe than sorry. You should never take it upon yourself to remove asbestos. This should be left to an environmental service company who is experienced in asbestos removal and who knows how and where to properly dispose of asbestos-containing materials.