Asbestos is a known carcinogen and the toxic substance can only be tested to verify/positively identified with a special microscope. Where does it come from you wonder? It’s from metamorphic rocks found in nature, we even have areas in western United States of large deposits and a few areas in the east around the Smokey Mountains.
The material was mostly used during the 1930’s-1970’s and was used for a lot of home building materials. Some examples are: roofing, insulation, paint, tiles/vinyl floors and older boilers. These are just some examples and shows the importance of being aware. The dangers of asbestos are lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.
If something is suspect, its important to have a professional remove, test and verify before removing or handling suspect material.
To learn more, visit the EPA website here. Also, found a great Youtube video from Breath Easy ExoSolutions by Mark of where they test and what to look for.
Works Cited:
“Asbestos: Facts and Tips for Home Inspectors and Homeowners.” InterNACHI®, https://www.nachi.org/asbestos.htm.
“Learn About Asbestos .” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos#asbestos.
“Where to Find Asbestos in Your Home or Building.” http://Www.youtube.com, 20 Jan. 2020, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUIXU4QMB70. Accessed 8 Apr. 2022.