Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber ideal for insulation and fireproofing. However, asbestos is also a known human carcinogen, and exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health problems, including mesothelioma. If you want to remove asbestos from a home or business, it is essential to be aware of the common myths about asbestos removal.

Myth #1: Asbestos is only dangerous if it is friable.

Asbestos is dangerous, whether friable (crumbly) or non-friable (solid). Both types of asbestos can release fibers into the air, where they can be inhaled or ingested. Once the fibers enter your system, they may cause inflammation and damage tissues, including the lining of the lungs.

Myth #2: Only old buildings have asbestos.

Asbestos was used in various construction materials until the late 1970s, so you can still find it in old and new buildings. In case you are unsure if a material contains asbestos, it is best to assume that it does and take appropriate precautions.

Myth #3: Asbestos removal is a do-it-yourself project.

Asbestos abatement/removal is a complex and dangerous process that trained and certified professionals should only perform. If you attempt to remove asbestos, you could expose yourself and others to harmful fibers.

Myth #4: All asbestos must be removed from a building.

In many cases, removing all of the asbestos from a building is unnecessary or possible. As long as the asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and not likely to be disturbed, they can be left in place.

Myth #5: Disposing of asbestos is easy.

You must dispose of asbestos waste properly to prevent exposure to fibers. It would help if you never attempted to dispose of asbestos-containing materials yourself. Instead, contact a professional asbestos removal company to handle the disposal.

If you plan to remove asbestos from your home or business, contact Asbestos Abatement Services in Ogden, Utah. We educate you about the proper ways of asbestos testing and removal and ensure 100% safety in all our services. Give us a call to learn more.