As we mentioned earlier, asbestos was once widely used in construction and other industries. It was favored for its fire-resistant properties, durability, and insulating capabilities. However, the dangers of asbestos were not fully understood until the late 20th century.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become trapped in the lungs and cause damage. Over time, this damage can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other respiratory diseases.

Asbestos is particularly dangerous because its fibers are microscopic and can easily become airborne. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, fibers can be released into the air and can remain there for a long time. This means that even if you are not actively working with asbestos-containing materials, you could still be exposed to the fibers if they are present in your building.

If your building was built before 2000, it is likely that it contains some asbestos-containing materials. This could include:

• Insulation
• Ceiling tiles
• Fireproofing materials
• Roofing materials
• Floor tiles
• Textured coatings (e.g. popcorn ceilings)

If these materials are in good condition and are not disturbed, they are not usually a cause for concern. However, if the materials are damaged or deteriorating, they can release asbestos fibers into the air. This is where asbestos testing comes in.

By having your building tested for asbestos, you can identify any materials that contain asbestos and take appropriate action to ensure that they are safely managed or removed. This can help to protect your family, your employees, and anyone else who may be visiting your building.