Asbestos becomes dangerous when microscopic fibers are released into the air and inhaled. These fibers are extremely small and cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. Once airborne, asbestos particles can remain suspended in the air for long periods and may be inhaled by anyone nearby.
Many homes and commercial buildings built before the 1980s contain materials that may include asbestos. When those materials are disturbed during renovations, demolition, or damage, asbestos fibers can become airborne and create a potential health hazard.
HB Environmental Services helps homeowners, contractors, and property managers throughout the St. Louis area identify and safely address asbestos-containing materials before they become a serious risk.
Asbestos becomes dangerous when materials containing asbestos are disturbed, damaged, or deteriorating.
When asbestos-containing materials remain intact and undisturbed, they often pose minimal risk. However, once fibers are released into the air, they can be inhaled and become trapped in the lungs.
Long-term exposure to asbestos fibers has been linked to several serious health conditions, including:
• Mesothelioma
• Lung cancer
• Asbestosis
• Pleural thickening
These diseases may take 20 to 40 years to develop after exposure.
Asbestos exposure most commonly occurs when building materials are disturbed. Some of the most common situations where asbestos becomes dangerous include:
• Home renovation projects
• Removing flooring materials
• Demolition work
• Cutting or drilling into walls or ceilings
• Water damage that deteriorates insulation
• Fire damage to building materials
• Damaged pipe insulation in basements or mechanical rooms
These activities can release asbestos fibers into the surrounding air.
Asbestos materials are often categorized as friable or non-friable, which affects how easily fibers can become airborne.
Friable asbestos materials can easily crumble or break apart when disturbed. These materials are considered the most hazardous because fibers can be released easily.
Examples include:
• Pipe insulation
• Boiler insulation
• Spray-applied fireproofing
• Certain ceiling textures
Asbestos materials are often categorized as friable or non-friable, which affects how easily fibers can become airborne.
Non-Friable Asbestos
Non-friable asbestos materials are more solid and typically do not release fibers unless they are cut, sanded, or broken.
Examples include:
• Vinyl asbestos floor tile
• Black mastic adhesive
• Asbestos cement siding
• Roofing materials
Even though these materials are more stable, they can still become dangerous during renovations or demolition.
No. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and cannot be seen without specialized equipment.
They also have no smell or taste, which means people can be exposed without realizing it.
Because asbestos cannot be identified visually with certainty, professional testing is often necessary to confirm whether materials contain asbestos.
You should consider professional asbestos testing if:
• Your home or building was built before 1980
• You are planning a renovation project
• You discover old floor tiles or adhesives
• You find deteriorating pipe insulation
• You suspect popcorn ceilings may contain asbestos
• You are preparing for demolition work
Testing is the only reliable way to determine whether materials actually contain asbestos.
If you believe a material may contain asbestos, do not disturb it.
Cutting, sanding, drilling, or breaking the material can release fibers into the air and increase the risk of exposure.
Instead, contact a professional asbestos company that can inspect the material, collect samples if necessary, and determine whether removal or containment is required.
If you suspect asbestos in your home or building, the safest step is to schedule a professional inspection.
HB Environmental Services proudly provides asbestos testing and removal services throughout the St. Louis area.
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Thu | 08:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Fri | 08:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Sat | By Appointment | |
Sun | By Appointment |
If you have questions about asbestos removal or testing, you may find helpful information on our Asbestos FAQ page.
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