Concerns over Asbestos-Containing Materials in Residential Buildings

Asbestos was widely used in numerous industrial and construction applications during much of the past century. Beginning in the 1970s, the use of asbestos began to decline as health concerns due to exposure to asbestos fibers became more widely recognized and some uses were banned.

Fast forward to today and far too many older residential buildings still have building materials that contain asbestos in them from decades ago. Unfortunately for people living or working in buildings where asbestos fibers from these materials can become airborne, inhalation exposure over time is known to increase one’s chances of developing mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

With regards to asbestos in residential settings, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shares the following:
Generally, you can’t tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labeled. If in doubt, treat the material as if it contains asbestos and leave it alone. You may want to have your home inspected for asbestos-containing materials by a trained and accredited asbestos professional if you are planning to remodel your home (remodeling can disturb building materials), or your home has damaged building materials (like crumbling drywall and insulation that is falling apart).

“The EPA goes on to wisely recommend that a trained and accredited asbestos professional should take samples for analysis, since a professional knows what to look for, and because there may be an increased health risk if fibers are released,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “To help in these situations, the dedicated asbestos professionals from CTSI have performed thousands of asbestos-related projects across the country in over 100 million square feet of space. These services have been performed in residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial properties. We not only help to protect building occupants and workers, we also help building owners and managers comply with all federal, state, and local rules and regulations.”

CTSI recently sponsored an educational video about things to consider if asbestos is suspected in a residential building that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/g9F5DAMd4Zo

To learn more about asbestos or other industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email contactus@ctsiweb.com , or call (212) 971-7016.

About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered with CTSI’s reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself in utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals’ concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail