Asbestos

Learn about: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbestos

Home inspectors routinely encounter asbestos materials installed in older houses.

What is asbestos? It’s a mineral fiber. It can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope. In the past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance.

The photo shows a floor register ‘duct transition boot’ wrapped in an asbestos-like material.

Is this a problem?

The following information was taken from the EPA publication: Asbestos in Your Home… http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/index.html

When asbestos-containing materials (older acoustic ceiling tiles, some popcorn ceilings, linoleum floor tiles, heating ducts, etc.) are damaged or disturbed by repair, remodeling or demolition activities, microscopic fibers become airborne and can be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause significant health problems.

Bottom line: If you are going to make changes in your home that might disturb it, repair or removal by a professional is needed. Before you have your house remodeled, find out whether asbestos materials are present. Call a professional.

Count on the experienced inspectors at Pacific Coast Inspections, Inc to report asbestos-like materials found during the home inspection. They’ll recommend further review by a licensed HVAC contractor.

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