NEW JERSEY HOME INSPECTOR CERTIFIED LICENSED ASHI MEMBER IN NEW JERSEY, BERGEN COUNTY, PASSAIC COUNTY, ESSEX COUNTY AND MORRIS COUNTY IN NJ.

Asbestos Abatement - General Toxicity

While asbestos is a mineral that is mined it is not a healthy mineral to be exposed to.  Used as recently as 1980 exposure to asbestos is considered a heath risk. Asbestos fibers can stick inside the lung of a person and that can allow cancer to develop.

Although excluded from our contract we tell frequantly tell clients insulation on the boiler and/or distribution piping is similar in appearance to materials known to contain asbestos. Although there is a very high probability the material is asbestos, it is simply not possible to visually determine if the material is asbestos with absolute certainty, laboratory analysis is necessary. Consultation with a licensed asbestos contractor is necessary prior to expiration of your inspection contingency to determine the proper course of action and to obtain an opinion as the necessity of air or bulk samples. Due to the age of construction, there may be other materials within the home that contain asbestos but are not identified by this inspection report. Asbestos fibers that get into the air represent a health hazard.

Most lung cancer victims had extensive exposure of long periods of time in a workplace environment.  It is possible that some people can get enough exposure in a residential setting to also fall ill.   Asbestos is still used in pop corn type ceilings and other finishes.  Insulation on pipes that is getting into the air or worse yet improperly removed asbestos are likely to pose a greater risk than insulation that is in good condition.

Visually it is not possible to determine with 100% certainty if a material is insulation.  If you suspect it might be the next logical step is to order a lab test called a bulk sample where a section of insulation is brought back to the lab.  If the sample is positive for asbestos air testing should be ordered to determine what an occupants exposure level is.

Do not disturb asbestos or allow contacts such as plumbers to disturb it either.  Removal of asbestos should be performed by trained people using all the required protective gear.  If an owner represents the asbestos was properly removed contact the municipal health and building departments to be sure the necessary and required permits were obtained.