What is Asbestos?

Identify Materials with Asbestos Testing in Washington, D.C.

There's no doubt that you've heard of asbestos and how its possible presence in your home can harm your family's health. But do you know exactly what asbestos is?.

Quite simply, asbestos is a mineral fiber that is strong and flexible enough to be spun and woven. Asbestos fibers are also durable and heat resistant, which made them a useful material for many industrial products and components. However, asbestos' durability also makes it a harmful agent that, when inhaled, will remain in one's lung tissue for a very long period of time.

Envirotex is a licensed asbestos testing and removal contractor. We offer:

• All asbestos testing performed by an independent, certified lab to avoid conflicts of interest.
• A technically advanced staff of environmental professionals with building science, construction and environmental inspection fields of speciality.
• Environmental services for indoor air quality and asbestos testing in Washington, D.C.

Breathing high levels of asbestos can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma - the cancer of the lining of the chest and abdominal cavity, and asbestosis, or lung scarring. Many products made today do not contain asbestos, and those that do contain asbestos must be labeled as asbestos-containing materials. However, many building products and insulation materials made before the 1970s and used in Washington, D.C. homes and business construction did contain asbestos. These products can include roofing, shingles, siding, steam pipes, boiler, and furnace insulation, door gaskets, textured paints, and soundproofing materials, among others.

We are all exposed to low levels of asbestos in the air, but many asbestos-containing materials can be harmful once disturbed and once asbestos fibers are released into the air. If you suspect asbestos may be present in your home, do not touch it or disturb it, as the only way to confirm the presence of your asbestos is through professional examination and testing.

Where Can Asbestos Be Found in Your Washington, D.C. Business or Home?

The mineral fiber known as asbestos can be found in many materials in your Washington, D.C. home or business; in the past, asbestos was added to a variety of home products to provide heat insulation and fire resistance. Today, the mere presence of asbestos may not be a hazard, but once asbestos fibers are disturbed and released, asbestos may cause serious health and quality of life problems for you and your family.

Common household products that may contain asbestos found in Washington, D.C. homes and businesses, as these materials were made with asbestos in the past, include the following:

• Roofing and siding shingles
• Steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts may be insulated with an asbestos blanket or tape
• Backing on vinyl sheet flooring
• Floor tile adhesives
• Artificial ashes and embers
• Patching and joint compounds for walls and ceilings
• Cement sheet and paper used as insulation around furnaces or wood burning stoves
• Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets may have asbestos insulation
• Soundproofing material sprayed on walls or ceilings

It is not possible to identify asbestos just by looking at it or a household material. Only trained professionals can identify asbestos and how to alleviate an asbestos problem. Never try to take asbestos samples or examine those materials that may contain asbestos yourself, as disturbing asbestos will lead to risky exposure to airborne asbestos fibers.

For more information on asbestos, or to discuss any possible asbestos in your Washington, D.C. or Northern Virginia home or business, contact Envirotex Environmental Services. Envirotex Environmental Services' team of licensed and experienced professionals have completed thousands of mold and asbestos inspections and solutions throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

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.