Before the hazards of asbestos were understood, it was used quite frequently in construction for residential, commercial, and industrial building projects. Asbestos was valued for its heat resistance and fiber strength, leading it to be used in many building materials such as roofing shingles, ceilings, wall boards, plaster, floor tiles, paper products, and asbestos cement products. It was also used in heat resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings. Buildings constructed in or around Augusta can be old enough to have these materials in them, predating the EPA bans on asbestos.
Where asbestos may be found:
The most common form of exposure is by breathing the fibers that are released into the air when asbestos containing material is disturbed. This can be during use of the products, demolition and removal work, building or home maintenance and repair, and remodeling. If your home in Augusta was built before or around the EPA banning period, you may want to have it tested before beginning any major projects or repair to avoid potential exposure.
Here at Pinnacle, we use the most advanced techniques to detect asbestos. We employ multiple techniques such as Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to identify asbestos down to a tenth of a micrometer. Using the same methods as the EPA, we are able to deliver precise results, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your test.
Generally speaking, the amount of exposure directly increases the chance of developing harmful health effects. After exposure, it can take many years before any signs of disease begin to become apparent.
It greatly increases your risk for lung disease, which can be further aggravated by smoking.
Knowing if any diseases were caused by asbestos can be difficult. Heathcare professionals tend to review the patient’s medical, work, cultural, and environmental history to identify any potential exposure to asbestos to identify if it is the possible cause of lung disease and other related health conditions.
Once a doctor suspects an asbestos-related disease, he or she can use a number of diagnostic tests to help make the actual diagnosis. Some of these tests are physical examination, chest x-ray and pulmonary function tests. You may also be referred to a specialist who treats diseases caused by asbestos.
