Prior to 1989, many commercial buildings were constructed with materials that contained asbestos. This naturally occurring mineral has a unique composition that makes it incredibly durable and resistant to heat and degradation. Unfortunately, these traits also allow it to break apart into minuscule fibers that can be inhaled and become lodged in the lungs. For this reason, it’s important to schedule an asbestos inspection of any building where this mineral is likely to exist. 

How to Determine If Your Building Might Contain Asbestos

Generally, asbestos is found in properties that were built before the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) partial ban on certain asbestos-containing products used at the time and stopped new ones from entering the market.

Materials like pipe insulation, tile and sheet vinyl, siding and roofing products, fireproofing, and prefabricated cement regularly contained the mineral. If the building still contains some or all of the original components, scheduling an asbestos inspection before remodeling or undertaking routine maintenance that might disturb them will protect your employees and contractors.

The Risks of Asbestos

Asbestos often exists peacefully inside older buildings, but when the materials containing it are disturbed or begin to break down, the microscopic fibers enter the air. They can then spread through the HVAC system and come into contact with employees.

When inhaled, asbestos increases the risk of developing mesothelioma—a type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers most internal organs. The fibers can also result in scarring of the lung tissue, lung cancer, pleural disease, and respiratory ailments.

The Benefits of an Asbestos Inspection

The only way to confirm the presence of asbestos is with professional testing. A certified expert will extract a few samples from materials believed to contain the mineral and send them to an accredited laboratory for analysis. If asbestos was detected, the resulting report will state what type and how much. 

This will help you determine how to approach remodeling or future repairs or maintenance to maintain building safety. If fibers were detected in the air, you’ll also be able to conclude if parts of your building should be cordoned off and if immediate removal is necessary to make the property safe.

If you suspect there are building materials in your office that contain asbestos, turn to American Environmental Laboratories for an inspection. This Missouri-licensed asbestos inspector provides residential, commercial, and industrial testing and removal services to the Saint Louis region. Call them today at (314) 664-2800 to schedule an asbestos inspection, and visit their website to learn more about their environmental assessments and indoor air quality testing services.