Have you ever heard of Asbestos? Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals made up of heat-resistant fibers. Some common wall systems where asbestos is present are plaster and drywall. Plaster walls are usually made of a mix of sand, lime, and cement mixture. It can appear in various textures, such as popcorn, stucco, acoustical, and decorative designs. Asbestos-containing plaster was produced by United States, National Gypsum Gold Bond, Georgia-Pacific, and other manufacturing corporations primarily between 1920-1976. Asbestos can be found not only in drywall sheets but also it’s joint compound.
Is it dangerous?
It was used in thousands of U.S. consumer products before the dangers of asbestos were known. Asbestos causes
mesothelioma, lung cancer and other cancers. It is regulated in the U.S., but not banned. It also causes a progressive lung disease called asbestosis. The carcinogenic qualities of the mineral are what makes asbestos dangerous.
Asbestos can cause several different medical problems, depending on where the mineral becomes trapped in the body. Asbestos that enters the lungs will damage and scar lung tissue and can cause serious conditions including lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma and non-malignant pleural disease. These conditions attack the lungs and other internal organs and can be life-threatening.
Working with asbestos requires experience, training, and certification
To become a properly trained and accredited asbestos professional you will need to seek training from a training provider that offers courses approved by the EPA or a state to conduct asbestos training pursuant to the Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan. Most states also require a license to perform this work.
☑ We always recommend taking precautions when using this material, it’s always better to be safe than risking your life.
sources: asbestos.com
https://www.chas.co.uk/blog/asbestos-awareness-7-facts/
https://www.lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/other-licenses-permits/asbestos-certification