The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a book by Robert Louis Stevenson. He describes a personality who had two egos. The Dr was a good guy, but he could transform into the terrible Mr. Hyde.
Envirotex is a licensed, asbestos inspection and abatement contractor. We offer:
You may, at this point, be wondering what all these have to do with asbestos and home inspections in Gainesville, VA? Well, asbestos is a mineral silicate that shares a lot of similarities with the fictional character.
You see, in a stable form, asbestos has lots of positive features and benefits. In an unstable state, it turns into a monster that can kill. You get to understand what we mean as we delve into the topic in a little more detail below.
Envirotex has been in the asbestos removal and remediation business for over 30 years. We get tons of questions from clients concerning asbestos.
Our Envirotex team put together a list of what we see as some of the most frequently asked ones. You will get tons of information that will clarify why asbestos should not be part of your life. Let's dive into it.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral silicate. There are six different types. These are:–
Distinguishing the different types can be difficult if you do not have the proper training. The one thing they all have in common is that they are dangerous. Long–term exposure can lead to a multitude of health problems. We explore this in a little more detail later.
The mineral comprises needle–like, fine fibers. Perhaps the most critical thing to know is that you cannot see asbestos fibers with your naked eyes. That means it can be in the air for years, causing damage to your house without you ever knowing.
Let's go back to the analogy of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The Dr. Jekyll part of asbestos presents in the tons of benefits the mineral has. Asbestos is malleable, flexible, heat resistant, sound resistant, and fireproof.
For a long time, it was a critical component of building and automotive materials. Around the home, you find it in insulation, ceilings, and even floors. Your brake lining and gaskets may also contain it. In a stable or non–friable form, you have nothing to fear.
But, asbestos is a fragile mineral. If you disturb the stable form, it becomes friable. The fibers may find their way into the atmosphere. Since you're sharing the same space, you may start breathing them in. And, that is where your problems begin. Our next point makes it clear why.
As we have already hinted above, asbestos can cause serious health implications. Statistics show that asbestos could be responsible for an annual fatality rate as high as 5,000 deaths.
Some of the complications are:–
Now here is where it gets terrifying. You may not see any symptoms of the conditions for up to 20 to 30 years. Some symptoms may be present, but you dismiss them as the common flu. All this time, the asbestos could be damaging your internal organs. By the time symptoms start to present, it may have caused maximum damage.
The other thing you need to know about asbestos is that it does not flush out of the body once it finds entry. It takes permanent residence, unlike other toxins that leave. The cumulative nature of asbestos makes it more lethal for you.
Many articles say that the most significant risk of asbestos exposure is in older homes. This may very well be true for countries that have banned the use of asbestos. Some countries got together in the 80s and decided to form a treaty to ban asbestos in its entirety.
However, a country like the United States decided otherwise. You can still find asbestos in some applications. That means that even modern houses may contain the mineral silicate. If you check, you may discover labels around things like insulation that advise the same.
If you're planning to buy a home, we will encourage you to factor in the cost of asbestos home inspections in Gainesville, VA. Once you find one that you like, ask the seller for an inspection report. But, do note, the seller does not have an obligation to do it for you. It is an expense that you may have to undertake fully.
If you are lucky, the seller could agree to share the costs with you. Also, read up on your rights in case you buy a home that contains asbestos. If the owner knew that it was present and did not inform you, you could seek legal recourse.
You can absolutely carry out asbestos home inspections in Gainesville, VA, by yourself. But, this is a big NO. Only do this if you have proper training and equipment. This is not one of those DIY jobs that you can depend on a Youtube tutorial for.
The process of identifying and collecting samples is highly delicate. You must ensure that you do not disturb the asbestos in any way. If it is in a stable form, you want to leave it that way. If in a friable condition, you want to ensure that no more fibers get into the atmosphere.
After collecting samples, you must send them to specialized labs. There are special tests that determine the type and state of asbestos. We reiterate our earlier point for emphasis; please do not undertake asbestos inspection if you don't have experience. Consider it an investment to hire professionals to do the work.
Remediation involves steps to maintain asbestos as it is. We advise on this if it is still in a stable condition. We would aim to cover it up so that no one disturbs it further. We may, for example, enclose or seal it using specific material.
Removal is the only option if the asbestos is in a friable state. The process may, for example, include removing parts of the construction that has asbestos–containing material. We give this as a last resort because removal can be pretty expensive. But, it is the best option if:–
The home inspectors advise on whether you need to move or not. If the asbestos is in the basement, for example, they can contain it within that space.
But, if they fear the damage is extensive, they may ask that you leave for the removal duration. But, some of our clients seek temporary accommodation just for their peace of mind.
Are you looking for a reputable, expert company that understands asbestos home inspections and removal in Gainesville, VA? If yes, Envirotex has the perfect solution for you. Our highly trained technicians are available at your convenience for a consultation.
Start by giving us your details in the form on the website. We shall get in touch for further discussions.
About Envriotex Environmental Services
Established in Northern Virginia in 2000, Envirotex Environmental Services was founded on military service. While serving his country, the company's owner Mr. Freeman gained vast knowledge and experience in the environmental services field. His expertise in air monitoring and hazardous materials testing prepared him for his post-military career.
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