Hazards of Asbestos Ceiling Tiles
The mineral asbestos actually is everywhere—it occurs naturally and minute exposure is unavoidable. However, because it was so valuable for certain industrial applications, such as heat-resistant gaskets, roofing shingles, nonflammable fabrics and ceiling tiles, asbestos was used widely in home construction for decades, increasing everyone’s exposure to this mineral. With the eventual realization that asbestos was the cause of several illnesses and cancers, including pleural effusion, asbestosis, cancers of the lung and the membrane lining of the lungs (mesothelioma) and cancer of the tissues lining the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma). The Environmental Protection Agency banned the future use of asbestos in virtually all products including tiles for the ceiling in 1989. However, asbestos ceiling tiles manufactured before that ban still exist in many homes.
These asbestos tiles generally are harmless unless disturbed during remodeling and demolition, or in the unfortunate event of a home fire. Before disturbing any ceiling materials, especially if they may date from 1989 or earlier, a professional asbestos inspector can test them. The National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation program can furnish the name of a reputable inspector. Their phone number is 301-975-4016. If it is an asbestos ceiling, this organization can recommend whether or not removal is even necessary and how to do it safely.
Even if not remodeling, if older tiles are becoming frayed, shedding material or seem unstable an inspector should check them out. This is particularly important when dealing with ones on the ceiling, because according to the Environmental Information Association, asbestos tiles are among the most likely substances to present a hazard because they are “friable”–more likely to become damaged and shed asbestos fibers into the air.
Newer ceiling construction materials that do not have asbestos are generally manufactured from cellulose or fiberglass. Those tiles are less likely to contain asbestos. Unfortunately, they are sometimes installed over old tiles that did contain asbestos and could create a hazard. Removal of asbestos ceiling tiles can be expensive and requires experts who have the proper haz-mat equipment.
Related posts:
- The Emergence of Asbestos Law Firms
- Asbestos Removal Requires a Licensed and Certified Professional
- Needing Mahjong Tiles For Sale?
- Accessibility of Kids Ceiling Fans
- Pros and Cons of Travertine Tiles
Comments
Search
Tag Cloud
acne alarm monitoring Archery bow Archery Bows baby bad credit bad credit loans best juicer blinds credit card debt cubic zirconia curtains Debt debt settlement detox cleanse diet Forex hair removal health home Hunting bow Insurance Investing juicer machine jump higher Kitchen laser hair removal laser lipo led grow lights liposuction Loans lose weight luggage music online dating tips patio lighting rugs security system Shopping solar lights teeth whitening tiki torches toddler weight loss window treatments
