What Is Asbestos? Asbestos Home Inspection?

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals composed of soft, flexible fibers that are heat-resistant. Asbestos is still used in hundreds of U.S. consumer products. Its use is allowed as long as it accounts for less than 1% of the product. Exposure to asbestos causes cancers and other diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Asbestos is a dangerous substance, which can cause serious illness. Homes in Bergen County are commonly old, and many may contain asbestos.

Many houses from the ’40s are riddled with this toxic material used before it became outlawed by law due to its harmful effects on both humans and their home environment. These homes often present themselves as potential buyers’ dream houses, only for them later to find out they need expensive repairs or even an entire renovation because of how much damage has already occurred inside thanks to these materials being all over the place! Some homeowners are being faced with a tough decision: renovate their old house, or risk the health of themselves and their family by living in an asbestos-laden home.

Some people find that they can’t afford to stay afloat financially while maintaining such costly renovations as replacing floorboards, so instead, they choose to live in an unsafe environment for fear of going bankrupt from remodeling costs. However, if you do decide it is worth your time, then please make sure not only yourself but all workers who will be doing any work on the property wear protective gear at all times!

Types of Asbestos

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 legally recognizes six types of asbestos that fall into two categories: Amphibole and serpentine.

Amphibole Asbestos

Amphibole asbestos fibers have a straight, jagged shape. There are five recognized types:

• Crocidolite

• Amosite

• Anthophyllite

• Tremolite

• Actinolite

Serpentine Asbestos

Serpentine asbestos fibers are curly. There is only one kind: Chrysotile, which is also known as “white asbestos.”

• Crocidolite