Asbestos Inspections: Sources of Asbestos in the Workplace
October 22nd, 2014
The health effects of asbestos exposure often take years of decades to develop. Because of this, it is important that all sources of asbestos in the workplace are found and safely removed. Our years of experience performing asbestos inspections for businesses in Charlotte and across the country have revealed common sources of asbestos in older buildings.
Since asbestos is an extremely durable and heat resistant material, it was thought to be incredibly useful for building offices, factories and warehouses. At the time these structures were built, professionals were unaware of the serious health risks asbestos causes as fibers are released into the air.
Sources of Asbestos in the Workplace
Ceilings – Sprayed Asbestos – Sprayed asbestos was used in buildings for heat proofing, fire protection and soundproofing. Typically, sprayed asbestos was applied to beams, connecting pieces and steel supports. The chance of the release of fiber is high unless it is sealed.
Walls / Ceilings – Asbestos Panels – Asbestos panels were used much like drywall. They covered beams, pipes and other connecting pieces on the ceiling. These panels usually contain several different asbestos types. Asbestos fibers can be released if the panel cracks.
Walls / Ceilings – Textured Paints – Textured paints in older buildings often contain chrysotile asbestos. This type of paint was typically used on ceilings and walls in interior spaces.
Insulation – Loose Asbestos Lagging – Loose asbestos was used to insulate and protect against fire in between floors. Usually it surrounds piping and ducts. Loose asbestos has a similar appearance to a pillow stuffing and since it isn’t easily contained, the chance of released fibers into the air is high.
Pipes / Old Machinery – Thermal Insulation – Since asbestos is such a good insulator, it was used to prevent heat loss in old machinery. Thermal insulation containing asbestos was often used to improve the efficiency of pipes, boilers and pressure vessels.
Doorways – Asbestos Cords & Tape – Mainly used for the fire-resistant sealing material in fireproof doors and shutters and smookeproof doors and gates, asbestos cords and tapes present a danger in older buildings with these features.
Roofs – Roofing Tar – Roofing felt and tar used for flat roofs and gutter systems often contained asbestos. It also acted as a humidity insulator for basements in older buildings.
Floors – Vinyl Floor Coverings – Asbestos tiles were commonly used in public buildings such as schools, offices and community centers. Years of walking on these materials can cause wear and tear, releasing asbestos fibers into the air. Asbestos can also travel on peoples shoes and clothing as the dust may become attached after becoming airborne.
Trust Decades of Asbestos Inspection Experience
Get The Lead Out has been performing asbestos testing for homes, businesses and government agencies across the country for over 20 years. We make it our mission to locate all potentially hazardous materials in order to protect the communities we serve. To learn more about Get The Lead Out and our asbestos inspections, please call (704) 376-3594.