All You Need to Know About Asbestos Testing

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a type of mineral that has been valued over the course of history for its ability to be resistant to flame and fire. A common practice within construction taking place during the 1980’s was the utilization of asbestos as fireproofing within a wide variety of commercial and residential structures.

Why Employ Asbestos Testing?

When in its complete forms – while remaining undisturbed – asbestos is not considered to be harmful upon exposure to human beings. However, over time asbestos particulates can be released from the mineral in airborne form. These particulates are easily ingestible and cause severe damage within the human respiratory system.

Asbestos testing is considered to be crucial by many lobbyists. Even the slightest trace of asbestos can be broken down and released as airborne particulates. Due to the fact that asbestos never truly dissolves, but rather reduces in size, its chemical makeup is considered to be one of the most resilient. Asbestos particulates can remain in the human abdominal cavity indefinitely.

Asbestos testing can serve as the ultimate preventative measure for avoiding asbestos-related illness. By removing asbestos from a building or piece of property, tenants can be spared exposure to asbestos.

When to Perform Asbestos Testing

Asbestos testing should be conducted in the following situations:

In the event that individuals are considering the purchase of an older building;

In the event that there have been reports of asbestos present in surrounding structures;

In the event that individuals are engaging in remodeling or destruction of a structure, making the unsettling or disrupting of asbestos a likely reality.

The Process of Asbestos Testing

Asbestos testing should never be attempted by the untrained or uncertified individual. In many regions, only contractors and professionals specializing in asbestos testing are permitted to conduct such activity.

In many areas, asbestos testing is mandatory and the governing body will provide the owner of a property with resources in the assistance of facilitating asbestos testing. Protective gear should always be worn during any exposure to asbestos, regardless of the duration of time.

If asbestos testing results in the finding of asbestos, its removal is typically and legally required. All asbestos is required to be disposed of within regulated locations certified to handle asbestos.

The procedures and legislation implicit in the asbestos testing process, as well as the process of asbestos removal can fluctuate on an individual, case-by-case basis. Elements examined in the institution of asbestos testing exist in conjunction with preexisting factors that include the history of the property, the location of the property, the construction of the property, and the amount of asbestos discovered within the structure of the property.

Asbestos Testing and Legal Assistance

All details, records, and supplemental evidence expressly requested by applicable asbestos testing documentation and applications should be provided in the most expedited fashion. Furthermore, all findings from any asbestos testing should be reported immediately to the applicable governing body. In the event that an individual experiences difficulties or failure to fully understand stipulations set forth with regard to the process of asbestos testing, they are encouraged to consult with an attorney specializing in the field of asbestos law, property law, personal injury law, and insurance.

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