Asbestos in the State of Pennsylvania

Throughout much of the 20th century, asbestos was a popular building material due to its heat resistance, high-tensile strength, and affordability. As the dangers of asbestos became known, its use declined. The carcinogen was even banned for a short period of time in the late 1980s.  However, its widespread use has had lingering effects on society…

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How Long Does Asbestos Remain in the Air?

Asbestos is a naturally earth-formed fibrous, silicate mineral found in rocks and soil. Asbestos is odorless, insoluble, heat, and fire-resistant. Despite its strength and thermal resistance, asbestos can become brittle and break down into microscopic, glass-like particles that can become airborne. Once airborne, humans can inhale these particles nearby and cause severe cancerous and non-cancerous…

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Asbestos Duct Wrap 

Asbestos was a popular building material in which its unique fibrous structure made it ideal for insulation and fireproofing. Most buildings and homes built before the 1980s contain asbestos insulation in the walls and attic. HVAC system ductwork, registers, and pipe systems may have been wrapped with asbestos duct wrap. It was not until the 1970s…

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Friable Vs. Non-Friable Asbestos

Asbestos was used extensively in buildings and materials for decades until the 1980s because of its unique characteristics. Asbestos is affordable, durable, and fire and heat-resistant, making it a desirable ingredient for construction, manufacturing, and certain materials. Unfortunately, asbestos is also hazardous to human health. What is Friability?Friability is the likelihood of asbestos-containing materials breaking…

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What To Do If You Were Recently Exposed to Asbestos

Asbestos can be produced or woven into goods and was utilized in a variety of industries in the 20thcentury. Heat, fire, and chemicals do not harm asbestos. When asbestos spreads through the air, its indestructibility becomes a double-edged weapon. If asbestos is inhaled, the fibers may become stuck in the lungs and cause serious respiratory…

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