When it comes to protecting you and your family, understanding the different dangers in your home is of the utmost importance. That being said, two of the biggest culprits in today’s day and age are mold and asbestos.
Both of these materials can be harmful, if not deadly. But is asbestos mold? No, it’s different. However, understanding the differences between mold vs asbestos is important in protecting you and your loved ones.
Of course, if you see any of the signs or symptoms of mold or asbestos infestations, you should contact a mold removal company right away, such as Mold-B-Gone Remediation. Without further ado, let’s talk about the difference between mold and asbestos.
Asbestos Vs Mold: The Difference
What Is Mold?
Mold is a fungus, it is technically a living organism, this microscopic pest has spores that travel in the air incredibly easily.
Once a few spores of mold take root, they can begin to grow and spread rapidly. In fact, in as little as 48 hours, you can start to have a mold infestation. Signs of mold include black or green streaks for the most part, as well as a dingy smell.
Mold is present in attics, ceilings, bathtubs, and anywhere where moisture or dampness occurs. If left unchecked, mold can continue to grow. Mold can destroy wood, wallpaper, cabinetry, carpeting, and more.
It brings a variety of negatives to it. Not only does it smell and look unsightly, in addition, it can damage your property long-term, and it can even be harmful to your family’s lungs and respiratory system.
Mold is known to cause asthma, coughing, sneezing, and other symptoms. What’s more, there are various types of mold ranging from annoying to downright deadly.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is similar to mold in that it occurs naturally, however it is not something that is organically in a home. It is created when manufacturing building materials. Asbestos is derived from minerals found in certain materials like brakes, vinyl floor tiles, and insulation.
Asbestos is not used as much as it was in the past. Still, if you have an older home or are importing materials that have not been properly evaluated, it could contain asbestos.
Black mold and asbestos both come with health risks. If it is inhaled, the tiny fibers can damage lungs, cause inflammation, and even cause cancer.
Get Mold Removal Today
At Mold-B-Gone Remediation, we pride ourselves on protecting your home, your family, and your belongings with mold removal in Atlanta.
After all, your home is a place of peace and should be your most prized possession. Let’s ensure that you can breathe clean, fresh air and avoid any kind of damage from infestations going forward. Give us a call for a free consultation today.
It’s a time bomb. If it gets to that stage doctors said I might just have five or six months to live. The worry is not knowing. It’s like there’s a gun held to your head and you don’t know when the trigger is going to be pulled. (Willie Stewart, British painter commenting on his asbestos disease diagnosis
Recently, Mold B Gone, began offering asbestos testing and removal services. We are dedicated to ensuring that our customers in the Atlanta metropolitan area live in mold free homes and are now pleased to offer further peace of mind because we can also address any questions you may have about asbestos and the potential impact it could have on your health.
Asbestos Exposure and the Significance of Labor Day!
In 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday. Labor Day was created to celebrate the social and economic contributions made by workers. Today, we honor that tradition and celebrate American workers, but it’s important to remember there is another reason we must observe this day. We must honor the workers, who in their efforts to support their families, lost their lives from exposure to toxins like asbestos on the job.
Sadly, the number one cause of occupational-related cancer continues to be asbestos exposure, despite the fact that peak use of asbestos was more than 30 years ago. Indeed, it is estimated that 27 million workers were exposed to airborne asbestos fibers between 1940 and 1979. The tragic fact about asbestos exposure is that it is a hidden killer because the latency period for developing mesothelioma cancer is 20 to 50 years.
Worldwide, about 125 million people in the world are exposed to asbestos at the workplace and it is believed that 107,000 people die each year from asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
Myths and Facts About Asbestos!
The video below uncovers the most prominent myths:
1. Asbestos is no longer a problem.Yes it is!
2. Mesothelioma only affects the elderly.Not true!
3. Asbestos is safe with minimal exposure.No it is not!
Asbestos Does Not Just Affect Workers!
A newspaper in the UK refers to asbestos disease as a ticking time bomb because the “period between asbestos exposure and contraction of diseases is long – usually between 25 and 50 years.”
Tradespeople are not the only ones at risk of asbestos-related diseases. An increasing number of cases involving white-collar workers (teachers, doctors and office workers) who worked in environments containing asbestos are now beginning to get asbestos diseases.
A New Generation of Asbestos Victims!
In the United States, U.S. Rep. John Katko wants to set up a national mesothelioma patient registry: Mary Jo Lawyer Spano Mesothelioma Patient Registry Act. The legislation is named in honor of Spano, a Syracuse woman who died in 2014 after a four-year battle with mesothelioma. Spano was exposed to asbestos fibers that collected on her father, Charles Lawyer’s body and clothes when he was an employee for an elevator company and was exposed to asbestos. Spano’s father also suffered from mesothelioma.
The purpose of the bill is to assist in the development of treatments standards for patients and help doctors share information about the disease to improve care at mesothelioma clinics:
Unlike many chronic and rare diseases, there is currently no national registry available for mesothelioma patients. These registries collect and consolidate information about individuals who suffer from the disease and provide health care professionals, researchers and patients with the ability to search information about diagnosis, as well as track disease trends, risk factors and treatment availability. In addition to promoting and coordinating research efforts to better treat and combat mesothelioma, the creation of a national registry will help raise awareness and advocacy, expand resources and support networks, and provide hope for families like those of Mary Jo Lawyer Spano. (U.S. Rep. John Katko)
As highlighted by the Spano case, a new generation of victims is emerging of individuals that never worked with asbestos, but were unknowingly exposed.
Pulitzer prize winning investigative journalist, Gary Cohn, wrote an article, “Daughters of the Dust: The Changing Face of Mesothelioma,” which documents the fact that women are developing mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos dust from their father’s work clothes.
The basic problem with asbestos is that there is no safe level of exposure and since it is not yet banned in many countries, it is clear that the impact of asbestos disease is not just on workers, but also individuals that are unknowingly exposed to asbestos: children, spouses, and white collar workers exposed to asbestos in their working environments.
What Is The Long Term Impact Of Asbestos Exposure?
128,015 people died of mesothelioma in 82 countries.
13,885 died of asbestosis in 55 countries.
A total of 2.18 million potential years of life lost to mesothelioma and 180,000 potential years of life lost to asbestosis.
On average, each person who died of mesothelioma lost 17 potential years of life, while those who died of asbestosis lost 13.0 potential years of life.
The current burden of asbestos-related diseases (ARDs) in terms of potential years of life is substantial.
The future burden of ARDs can be eliminated by stopping the use of asbestos.
Putting this into perspective, in the United States, 15,000 asbestos related deaths occur each year, resulting in 255,000 lost potential years of life.
Below are two infographics.
The first infographic highlights the professions with the highest risk of asbestos exposure.
The second infographic provides you with some further statistics related to workers affected by mesothelioma.
Exposure to asbestos is linked to many diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma and has been described as a ticking time bomb because the health effects from exposure to asbestos may take 20 or more years to surface.
Asbestos poses health risks only when the fibers are airborne and can be breathed in. When asbestos fibers lodge in the lungs they cause scarring that can lead to impaired lung function, asbestosis, and ultimately cancer, mesothelioma. The best defense against breathing in asbestos fibers is awareness and understanding, particularly if you are planning to make improvements to your home.
If your home was built prior to 1984, you will have asbestos. Asbestos was used extensively in construction materials because of it’s fire retardant capabilities.
Where Is Asbestos In The Home?
Where Is Asbestos In The Home?
Asbestos can be found in floor tiles, roofs, furnaces, plumbing, appliances, fireplaces and window caulking, leaving most everyone vulnerable. The diagram above, courtesy of Asbestos.Com provides you with a clear illustration of where you will find asbestos in your home.
When Is Asbestos A Hazard?
Asbestos is only a hazard when it is friable. Unfortunately, since so many homes have asbestos, it could potentially become a hazard because of normal wear and tear over time as the home ages. If this occurs, the fibers may become airborne.
Perhaps, the greatest hazard is when renovations are done on older homes. Then, it is inevitable that the fibers will become airborne. As a homeowner, you need to be aware of the risk and make sure you are prepared.
Take 5 And Stay Alive, a UK based website provides some excellent advice to DIY’ers considering a home renovation project. They advise that you ask these five key questions before beginning any project:
Do you suspect there’s asbestos on site?Click here to review an asbestos image gallery which shows you many materials where asbestos can be found.
Can you be sure it’s asbestos? The best way to determine if there is asbestos is to hire a professional to take a sample and then send it to a lab for testing.
What’s the level of risk and how do you handle it safely? If it is verified that there is asbestos, then the risk level must be determined.
Have you had the right type of training? Anyone working with asbestos needs to have training and this is the reason professionals should be consulted before any removal begins.
Are you taking safety precautions to minimize the risks? Asbestos abatement workers wear protective suits, have specialized training, and know how to dispose of asbestos safely.
Considering the above information it is very important that you understand the potential risks of asbestos exposure before beginning any renovation project. Do not simply rush into a project and begin demolition because once the fibers become friable you will create an unhealthy living space for you and your family.
What Should I Do If There Is Asbestos?
If you suspect that you have asbestos in your home, the first action you should take is to contact Mold B Gone to take samples that can be tested. Once the samples are tested, the amount and type of asbestos can be determined.
If you have already begun renovations and not yet had an asbestos survey done and suspect that you may have released some asbestos fibers into the air, take these precautions.
Do not disturb the material further while you are waiting for a professional to assess the situation.
Do not sweep up or vacuum any debris.
Prevent cross contamination through the rest of the home by avoiding the area.
Turn of your HVAC system (air conditioner and furnace) to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers throughout the home. In addition, you should also seal off all hot air vents and cold air returns.
If you intend to go into the area were there is suspected asbestos, wear an N95 respirator, preferably a Magenta HEPA filter on a half face respirator.
To prevent fibers from getting into other areas of the home, you need to contain the area, meaning you seal it off using 6 mil poly.
Finally, if for safety reasons, you believe that you must do some of the clean up on your own, buy an abatement HEPA vacuum and vacuum the area thoroughly and most importantly, wet wipe using soap and water covering every square inch including the ceiling, walls and all contents.
Got Asbestos Questions?
If you are planning on renovating your home and suspect that you may have mold or asbestos concerns, call Mold B Gone, 678-697-6267, or send us an e-mail. Peace of mind is just a phone call away. We look forward to serving you! 🙂
Up to 15,000 asbestos related deaths occur in the United States each year. Despite the wealth of information documenting the negative health impact of asbestos, it is still not banned in the United States. In fact, 30 million pounds of asbestos are used each year. Asbestos is a silent killer because one does not get sick immediately from exposure, but usually within 20 years. In the case of Steve McQueen, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 1979, nearly 30 years after first being exposed to asbestos while serving in the navy.
Mold B Gone now offers asbestos testing and removal services. The purpose of this article is to answer the following questions:
What is Asbestos?
Why is Asbestos a health hazard?
Where is Asbestos found?
What is Asbestos abatement?
What is Asbestos?
The word “asbestos” comes from a Greek word that means “inextinguishable”.
According to Asbestos.com, asbestos is a naturally occurring substance that has been used extensively because of its heat strength, tensile strength, and insulating properties. It has been used in thousands of products, most notably:
Automotive Parts: brake pads, clutches, hood liners, gaskets and valves;
Tiles: Flooring, ceiling and roofing tiles were commonly made with asbestos. The adhesive used to lay down flooring tiles has also been a source of exposure
Cement: Asbestos-containing cement was used in building materials because the fibers provided strength without adding much weight. Its insulating and fire-resistant properties also made the mineral an ideal substance to add to cement;
Construction: adhesives, mastics and gunning mix, ductwork connectors, floor backing, drywall taping compounds, and insulation; and
Textiles: Asbestos was used in the production of cloths and garments for its resistance to heat and corrosive elements. Some of the most common textiles included blankets, fireman suits and rope.
There are six types of asbestos:
Chrysotile Asbestos,
Amosite Asbestos,
Crocidolite Asbestos,
Tremolite Asbestos,
Anthophyllite Asbestos and
Actinolite Asbestos
Chrysotile Asbestos
Chrysotile Asbestos
This is the most commonly used form of asbestos and can be found today in roofs, ceilings, walls and floors of homes and businesses. Chrysotile asbestos also was used in automobile brake linings, pipe insulation, gaskets and boiler seals. Although it is more prevalent, some studies show it takes more exposure to chrysotile than other types of asbestos to develop related diseases.
Amosite Asbestos
Amosite Asbestos
This is known as brown asbestos, and it originates mostly in Africa. It was used most frequently in cement sheet and pipe insulation. It can be found in insulating board (which contained up to 40 percent asbestos), ceiling tiles and in thermal insulation products. Like the other forms of amphibole asbestos, it has needle-like fibers.
Crocidolite Asbestos
Crocidolite Asbestos
This is blue asbestos and it’s known for having the best heat resistance. Mined mostly in South Africa, Bolivia and Australia, crocidolite was commonly used to insulate steam engines. It was also used in some spray-on coatings, pipe insulation and cement products.
Tremolite Asbestos
Tremolite Asbestos
This is not used commercially, but it can be found as a contaminant in chrysotile asbestos, vermiculite and talc powders. It was occasionally found as a contaminant in certain asbestos-containing insulation products, paints, sealants and roofing materials. Tremolite can be white, green, gray and even transparent.
Anthophyllite Asbestos
Anthophyllite Asbestos
This type was mined primarily in Finland and displays a gray-brown color. It was not commercially used and was rather found as a contaminant. Anthophyllite was most commonly found in composite flooring.
Actinolite Asbestos
Actinolite Asbestos
This form of asbestos has a harsh texture and is not as flexible as the others. It is most often found in metamorphic rock. Actinolite was never used commercially, but it can be found as a contaminant in some asbestos products.
Asbestos History Facts
Asbestos was mined as early as 5,000 BC in Finland, Sweden, Greece, and Cyprus.
Asbestos is first described in 300 BC by Greek philosopher, Theophrastus.
Health effects of asbestos were first noted in the 12th Century by Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder.
Roman Emperor Charlemagne is rumored to have tablecloth made of asbestos. In 814 he dies of pleurisy, an inflammation of the lung membranes.
In 1727 asbestos becomes a popular material used for building.
Italian scientist Giovanni Aldini crafts fireproof clothing from asbestos in 1820.
In 1878, the first commercial asbestos mine opens in North America: Jeffery Mine in Asbestos, Quebec.
In 1908, the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) is passed to protect railroad workers from injuries, including asbestos exposure.
The first recorded case of asbestosis is documented in 1924.
In 1939, at the New York World’s Fair, Johns Manville Corporation promotes asbestos’ service to humanity.
In 1943, asbestos use heightens during World War II for construction and shipbuilding exposing thousands of servicemen.
In 1949, the great asbestos strike occurs in Asbestos, Quebec as workers demand better working conditions.
1969 workers compensation is paid out by Johns Manville, one of the largest producers of asbestos materials to 285 employees who had severe asbestosis. The total settlement was $1 million.
1972, nearly 30 years after the start of WWII, high rates of mesothelioma reported amongst vets.
The first major asbestos lawsuit occurs in 1973, acting as a catalyst for 25,000 more lawsuits over the next decade.
Asbestos products banned by the EPA in 1989, but in 1991, the ban was overturned and only some products remain banned, including: flooring felt, rollboard, and corrugated, commercial, or specialty paper.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes Mesothelioma in 1994.
The United Kingdom bans asbestos in 1999.
Twin tower attacks release large quantities of airborne asbestos in NY in 2001.
In 2004, the WHO reported that nearly 100,000 asbestos related deaths have been reported.
2011, asbestos mining in Canada finally stops, only to be revisited again in 2012 by a group of investors, but the guaranteed loan they were counting on did not come through so the mine did not open.
Today, asbestos is still not banned in North America and continues to be used, despite the health risks associated with it.
Why is Asbestos a health hazard?
It’s shocking to me that hundreds of thousands of people are dying of asbestos-related disease across this country but most people don’t know a thing about it,” says Chris Weis, an asbestos coordinator for the Environmental Protection Agency. Medical evidence dating back to 1899 has shown that asbestos is a slow but steady killer, even though world governments, including our own, and the popular media have long bought into the idea that a little asbestos won’t hurt you. In fact, a single microscopic spear-shaped asbestos fiber lodged in a victim’s lung can cause myriad fatal reactions. Physicians estimate that exposure to asbestos will eventually kill millions of Americans. They will die of asbestosis, mesothelioma, tremolite poisoning, or cancer of the esophagus, colon, or stomach. (Excerpt from Michael Bowker’s, Fatal Deception: The Terrifying True Story of How Asbestos is Killing America)
According to the World Heath Organization 107,000 people die each year from asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis resulting from occupational exposure. This means that approximately 294 people die daily from asbestos. Every hour 12 people die because of asbestos. One death every 5 minutes! Every day about 125 million people in the world are exposed to asbestos at the workplace, meaning death from asbestos will continue.
In the United States, 15,000 asbestos related deaths occur each year, nearly 2 Americans die each hour. Asbestos is scary because it is lethal and has been described as a silent killer that can lead to asbestosis, mesothelioma, tremolite poisoning, or cancer of the esophagus, colon, or stomach.
The video below provides an excellent explanation of what happens to the lungs when asbestos is inhaled:
Where is Asbestos found?
The prevalence of asbestos use in construction prior to 1980 means that most homes and commercial buildings will have some asbestos.
Homes and apartments built before 1980 often are filled with asbestos, needing only normal wear and tear with age to dislodge the fibers and send them airborne. Asbestos can be found in floor tiles, roofs, furnaces, plumbing, appliances, fireplaces and window caulking, leaving most everyone vulnerable.
The video below provides you with further insight into asbestos:
What is Asbestos abatement?
The key to ensuring long term health if asbestos is found in a home or building is to ensure that professionals are hired to remove the asbestos. The term used is “asbestos abatement“, which simply means the process of removing or containing the asbestos so that the asbestos fibers can not become airborne.
The first step is to identify if asbestos is present which can be done using an asbestos bulk sampler, which is the safest way to take bulk samples. The samples should then be sent to a lab for analysis.
The top priority of an asbestos abatement professional is to prevent asbestos fibers from traveling freely in the air. For this reason, the next step after asbestos is confirmed is to set up a proper containment so that the fibers that do become airborne are not allowed to travel outside of the contained area. Once the containment is set up with negative air pressure, the process of removing the asbestos can begin. All contaminated materials must be disposed according to industry and geological standards and regulations.
Once all asbestos materials are removed, the air quality should be tested by a Third Party environmental consultant before any reconstruction begins.
Got Asbestos Questions?
If you have questions about the asbestos abatement process, please contact us. We are here to help.
Asbestos Facts and Information Summary [Infographic]
The infographic below, courtesy of Sokolove Law, provides an excellent visual summary of asbestos facts and information:
Asbestos Facts and Information Summary [Infographic]
![Asbestos Facts and Information Summary [Infographic]](https://moldbgonega.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Asbestos-Facts-and-Information-Summary.jpg)