Don't Risk It - Stay Safe! Identifying Asbestos Pipe Insulation In Your Old Home

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used extensively in the past as an insulator and fire retardant. Unfortunately, it has been linked to serious health risks when inhaled, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. One of the most common uses of asbestos was in insulation for pipes, either as pipe wrap or pipe insulation. If you live in a home built before 1980, there’s a chance your piping is wrapped in asbestos insulation. In this blog post, we will discuss how to tell if your piping contains asbestos and what steps should be taken if it does contain asbestos.

Pipe insulation made from asbestos can be identified by its color, texture, and age. Asbestos pipe wrap was usually grey in color, with a fibrous texture. It can also be identified by the date it was installed - if it was built before 1990, there is a good chance that it contains asbestos. If you suspect the insulation around your pipes contains asbestos, it is important to have it tested by a qualified professional. Asbestos testing can determine whether or not the insulation material is actually asbestos and what type of asbestos is present.

If you find that your pipe insulation does contain asbestos, it must be removed and disposed of in accordance with local regulations. Never attempt to remove asbestos yourself, as the risk of inhaling asbestos fibers is extremely high and can lead to serious health issues. Instead, reach out to MSE Environmental as one of the leading environmental consulting and hygiene firms in the country, MSE Environmental can perform and assess, asbestos testing and inspection, to determine the risk of asbestos-containing insulation pipes.

There are several steps that should be taken immediately if asbestos is found in your insulation pipes. First of all, it is important to identify which areas contain the material and what type of exposure people in the home have had with the material (i.e., through dust or direct contact). Secondly, it is important to understand what level of risk is associated with the exposure (this will depend on how much contact has been made with the material). Lastly, it is important to consult with an MSE Environmental Consultant who specializes in safely removing, testing, and inspecting asbestos from homes so that the problem can be properly addressed without further endangering anyone’s health.

In conclusion, if you live in an older home it is important to be aware of the potential for asbestos pipe insulation. If you suspect that your home contains asbestos pipe insulation, it is important to have the material tested and removed by a professional. This will ensure that you and your family are safe from any potential health risks associated with asbestos exposure.

Request a free quote TODAY FOR ALL YOUR ASBESTOS TESTING NEEDS.

RELATED POST:

Following Texas' Winter Storm Uri, Mold Is Becoming a Growing Issue

The Texas winter storm Uri of 2021 was a catastrophic event that caused widespread damage across the state. At least 210 people were killed as a result of the storm, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas estimated that the state's storm-related financial damages would range from $80 billion to $130 billion.

One of the most common and costly problems faced by homeowners was water damage from burst pipes. In some cases, this damage was caused by freezing temperatures that caused pipes to expand and burst. In other cases, it was due to the high winds that toppled trees and power lines, causing power outages that left pipes without heat and causing them to freeze and burst.

The resulting water damage from these burst pipes often led to the growth of mold. Mold can cause a number of health problems, including respiratory issues, skin rashes, and headaches. Mold inspection and testing are essential for any home or business that has been affected by water damage.

If you suspect that you have mold in your home or office, contact MSE Environmental right away. They will be able to test for mold and determine the best course of action for removal.

The Correlation between Pipe BuRst into Mold Growth

When water freezes in a pipe, it expands and exerts enormous pressure. If a pipe breaks, numerous supply lines may quickly leak hundreds of gallons or more of water into a structure. Water gradually makes its way to the lowest spot it can reach, which means that a broken pipe on the second or third level might cause water damage to that floor and the floors below. Under some situations, even sewage pipes can freeze and break, allowing potentially infectious waste to pollute a structure.

It can cause water damage to the surrounding areas of your home, creating ideal conditions for mold to grow. This can be especially true in basements and attics, where moisture can accumulate and remain undetected. If the pipe burst is left unrepaired for an extended period of time, the conditions become even more favorable for mold. Mold can also begin to grow quickly in water-damaged walls and furniture, which can put you and your family at risk for health problems.

Health Risks when exposed to a large quantity of Molds

Molds have the potential to be harmful to one's health. Molds create allergens and irritants (substances that might induce allergic responses). Watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itching, coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing, headache, and exhaustion may result from inhaling or handling mold or mold particles. Repeated mold exposure might enhance sensitivity, resulting in more severe allergic responses.

Mold allergies are rather frequent. They might be both immediate and delayed. Molds can also trigger asthma episodes in persons who are allergic to mold. Furthermore, mold exposure can irritate both mold-allergic and non-allergic people's eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. Inhaling mold does not often cause symptoms other than allergic and irritating reactions.

Mold Inspection and Testing on the Aftermath of Winter Storm

There are several techniques to test for mold on your own. Almost any hardware shop will sell you an at-home mold test. However, you should be skeptical of these tests' accuracy. These tests have been known to produce inaccurate findings. Unopened test kits were even moldy when purchased in certain circumstances.

Furthermore, mold testing should be performed by a fully licensed, experienced mold inspector because it is highly technical, if not dangerous. If you don't know anything about mold, you can misinterpret the results. There is also the risk of test result contamination if the proper chain of custody is not followed during the testing procedure. A professional examination and testing is the best method to find out. Unlike at-home testing, qualified professional mold inspectors can determine where mold is developing, where it is coming from, and the severity of the mold.

With that being said, MSE Environmental provides expert mold inspection and testing services throughout the United States. Our mold inspectors are all ACAC trained and skilled focusing mainly on mold testing and inspection. To avoid any conflict of interest and to deliver the best mold testing services in the Country, we exclusively employ neutral third-party laboratories.

Conclusion

It is always the what if’s that people are so afraid of. What if there is another Winter Storm hitting the Texas Region, are you prepared for the end results? It is always preferable to have information and practical expertise on what to do in the aftermath. Mold growth is one of the most disastrous effects of this catastrophe. The dangers of mold are real and should not be taken lightly. If you find or suspect that you have mold in your home, take steps to remove it as soon as possible. Proper inspection and prevention steps are important when it comes to preventing future mold growth.

CONTACT MSE ENVIRONMENTAL TODAY FOR HELP AND ADVICE IN DEALING WITH MOLD TESTING AND INSPECTION.

RELATED POST