When you look at a material, you typically cannot tell if it contains asbestos. If you are unsure if the material contains asbestos, it’s best to leave it alone. In this case, it’s best to hire a licensed inspector and asbestos testing company. Be sure that the contractor is accredited, as this not only protects you but is also a requirement in Central Oregon. It is not advised that you do not test or sample potential materials that might contain asbestos as it’s too risky. There may be an increased health risk if fibers are released. if not performed correctly, sampling can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone.
Some reasons to hire a professional inspector:
- You are doing to renovate or remodel your home
- You plan to demolish your property
- Your home is older than 2004
- Your home has damaged materials such as crumbling drywall or plaster, peeling paint
What To Do if You Suspect Asbestos in Your Home
If you suspect asbestos in your home, don’t panic. Asbestos-containing materials that aren’t damaged or disturbed typically do not pose a health risk. In most cases, it’s best thing leave asbestos-containing material alone if it is in good condition.
It’s when the asbestos-coating material is disrupted fibers released into the air that make it hazardous. Keep a close watch on asbestos-containing materials and visually review over time for signs of wear or damage. When in doubt, call a licensed asbestos inspector to test the materials.
Do’s for Asbestos:
- Leave the undisrupted asbestos-containing materials alone
- Keep activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material that may contain asbestos
- Limit children’s access to any materials that may contain asbestos
- Be careful to avoid damaging asbestos-containing material
- Hire a licensed asbestos testing contractor to validate your concerns
Dont’s for Asbestos:
- Avoid disrupting, dusting, sweeping, or vacuuming debris that may contain asbestos
- Do not saw, sand, scrape, or drill asbestos-containing materials
- Don’t disrupt asbestos floors (scrape or strip)
- Be careful not to track any debris throughout your home
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that naturally occurs in rock and soil, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Due to its sturdy properties, it was once used in a wide range of building materials; but by the 1960s, scientists had discovered asbestos’ link to lung cancer, and the substance became heavily regulated by the EPA in the 1970s.
Asbestos May be Found in these Building Materials:
- Insulation
- Floor, ceiling, and wall tiles
- Roofing and siding shingles
- Textured paint and patching compounds
- Pipe coating
- Heat-resistant fabrics
- Walls and floors around wood-burning stoves
Just because asbestos is in your home does not necessarily mean that you need to rush and remove it. A certified asbestos expert can test your home for the substance and determine if it poses any risk of exposure. If there are materials that need to be removed, a licensed asbestos abatement contractor is trained to carefully remove and dispose of the threat without further contamination. Do not attempt to remove asbestos-containing material yourself. Abatement professionals should be certified by the DEQ in Oregon.
Asbestos Inspectors in Central Oregon
Bend Asbestos offers accredited asbestos inspectors for residential and commercial customers throughout Central Oregon including Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, La Pine and the surrounding area. We provide asbestos testing, asbestos surveys and AHERA surveys as a service to keep your family safe.
