5 Myths About Asbestos You Need to Know
Much has been said about asbestos, by word of mouth and throughout the media. But how much of it is true? Unfortunately, many myths have been spread about this hazardous fiber. Fortunately, Colorado’s Cyclone Kleen Up knows the truth about asbestos and so feels a responsibility to educate the public about it.
Myth 1: It Is Easy To Recognize Asbestos
This is a dangerous myth because asbestos isn’t visible. Asbestos is combined with materials to produce a stronger and more fire-resistant product. The fibers are too small to see without a microscope. Because they’re so tiny, they can be airborne for days without being detected. There’s only one way to know for sure if a material contains asbestos, and that’s through testing. When a building is old, it’s easy to assume it contains asbestos, but you won’t see it with the naked eye.
Myth 2: Some Forms Of Asbestos Are Safe
This myth may have come about because when asbestos is combined with a non-friable (doesn’t crumble easily) material like concrete, it’s not considered dangerous. But if those materials get broken up or sanded, they become hazardous and exposure to them can lead to illnesses and possible cancer. So no asbestos can be considered safe.
Myth 3: Asbestos-Related Ailments Are Contagious
Most respiratory illnesses are contagious. Since asbestos exposure can cause severe respiratory illness, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, it may seem that those ailments are also communicable. But not in this case. Asbestos-related diseases only arise in those who have been exposed to asbestos fibers.
Myth 4: Only Certain Occupations Can be Exposed to Asbestos
This was once thought to be true as those who worked as miners, construction workers, industrial and power plant workers, and shipyard workers were stricken most often. But unfortunately, people are being exposed in their own homes, especially in this era of do-it-yourself home renovations. Many homeowners in the Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and surrounding area are knocking down ceilings and walls and ripping out floor tiles and old pipes. But in their attempts to update and remodel their older homes, they might inadvertently be contaminating the air in their home with toxic asbestos fibers.
Myth 5: You Don’t Have to Worry About Asbestos in New Buildings
Although the EPA banned the use of most asbestos products In 1978, it is still used in some construction materials. So, newly built properties are not immune to asbestos. If your home or business is not very old, but requires construction or renovation work, it should still be tested for asbestos first.
As you can see, there are many myths floating around relating to asbestos. It is crucial to keep up to date on all asbestos-related news. Doing so will help protect you, your family, or your employees from exposure.
Cyclone Kleen Up will make sure your Pueblo or Colorado Springs property is free from the harmful effects of asbestos. Our expertly trained technicians will perform testing to determine whether any asbestos exists. If so, we’ll seal off the area and start the removal and clean-up process.
If you’re looking for services related to asbestos then call the professionals at 719-299-3887 or contact Cyclone Kleen Up.
