Asbestos is a very sensitive and dangerous material. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), there is no such thing as a ‘safe level’ of asbestos exposure. An improper handling and disposal of asbestos can result in irreversible damage to those who are exposed to it. As such, if you discover asbestos in your home, you should contact professionals as soon as possible.

Below, this asbestos removal company in Morton Grove, Illinois is going to discuss the key things homeowner should know about asbestos.

How common is asbestos?

Formally used in many construction, commercial, and household products, asbestos use has decreased significantly in the US over the last 40 years — from over 800,000 uses in 1973 to less than 1,000 uses in 2017.

Although asbestos use has decreased significantly since the 1970s, asbestos-related diseases continue to affect more than 125 million people worldwide. Over 1.3 million workers are at risk of asbestos exposure in the US, and over 39,000 Americans die each year from asbestos-related diseases.

Is asbestos banned?

Asbestos was among the first hazardous air pollutants to be regulated under the Clean Air Act (CAA) 42 USC § 7401 et seq. (1970). The US government has since developed ways to reduce asbestos importation and use in the country. And though the EPA classifies asbestos as a known carcinogen, asbestos has not been banned in the United States.

What are the health consequences of asbestos exposure?

Between the mid-1940s and 1980, asbestos use was ubiquitous thanks to the material’s fiber strength and insulating properties. This meant that it was incorporated into thousands of building materials, including concrete and cement, insulation, drywall, flooring, roofing, paints and sealants, and other materials.

When asbestos-containing products are disturbed and become ‘friable,’ they release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air, posing severe health and respiratory problems to those who are exposed to the material. When these fibers or particles are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and remain there indefinitely, causing scarring, inflammation, and various respiratory problems. As any knowledgeable asbestos removal company in Morton Grove, Illinois knows, the health consequences can be life threatening.

Asbestosis, benign pleural effusions, pleural plaques, and other non-malignant lung diseases are among the most common side effects of asbestos exposure. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reports that there is also sufficient evidence to conclude that asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma, lung cancer, larynx cancer, and ovarian cancer. Mesothelioma is the most common type of cancer associated with asbestos exposure in the United States.

How do I determine whether my property contains asbestos?

If your Morton Grove home was built between 1940 and 1980, there is a chance that asbestos was used in some capacity during construction. For homes constructed after 1990, the likelihood of asbestos being used in their construction decreases dramatically.  If you live in an older home, it’s strongly recommended that you have it inspected by a licensed asbestos removal company in Morton Grove, Illinois.

Asbestos removal is a tricky business. If you try to remove or handle any of these materials without first conducting a thorough inspection, you risk aggravating them and releasing hazardous particles into the air. Therefore, instead of embarking on a DIY asbestos removal project, it’s better to call a reputable Morton Grove asbestos removal company. This is the safest way to ensure that your home is not exposed to hazardous asbestos materials.

Looking for the Top-Rated Asbestos Removal Company in Morton Grove, Illinois?

If you are looking for the top-rated asbestos removal company in Morton Grove, Illinois, Axis Response Group is the company to call. Our technicians are licensed and trained in environmentally safe asbestos removal practices. Plus, we offer a 100% free online residential evaluation to determine if you may have asbestos-containing materials in your home.

Contact us today at (847) 998-6811 to learn how we can help.