Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral whose fibers are resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion, making it an effective insulator. For this reason, it was widely used by many U.S. companies across various industries to make products stronger and resistant to fire until the 1980s. However, these properties also make asbestos toxic and contribute to health problems.
Asbestos exposure can trigger several illnesses, with the major disease being Mesothelioma, a type of cancer. It can also cause other cancers, including lung, ovarian, and laryngeal.
Other diseases it causes include:
Lead was commonly added to paint to make it stronger, help it resist moisture, and accelerate drying. The use of lead paint was banned in 1978 because it was found to have dangerous medical side effects. Homes built before 1978 can contain lead-based paint that, if disturbed, can release harmful lead-contaminated dust. Everyone is susceptible to the dangers of lead paint, but children and pregnant women are at the highest risk.
Lead paint that is in good shape does not typically pose a risk. Lead paint becomes a problem when it’s broken down into small particles than can be ingested or inhaled. Lead paint in the following conditions should be inspected by a professional:
For Pregnant Women:
For Children:
For Adults:
Mold in and of itself is not a harmful or dangerous substance. It has its rightful place in our environment and ecosystem where it works to break down and digest dead plants, trees, and other organic matter. The concern over mold comes into play when it’s found in a home or business where it can cause considerable damage and even contribute to health complications.
Mold grows and spreads rapidly and travels easily through the air since mold spores are tiny and lightweight. Exposure to a lot of mold spores can cause allergic symptoms such as:
Although many of those symptoms may not seem too worrisome, repeated exposure can increase a person’s sensitivity to mold, leading to more severe and complicated reactions that can even be life-threatening. Persons most at-risk include infants, children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
Mold thrives on moisture, so keeping the humidity in your home low is an ideal preventive measure. Aim to keep humidity consistently 50% or less. Other steps you can take include:
Call Plateau Environmental at 970-252-1363 for your environmental testing consultation today!
We proudly service southwest Colorado, including a 200-mile radius of Montrose and some areas of Utah. The areas we travel to include, but are not limited to, the following:
Cedaredge, Cortez, Crawford, Crested Butte, Delta, Durango, Gunnison, Hotchkiss, Lake City, Montrose, Naturita, Norwood, Nucla, Ouray, Pagosa Springs, Paonia, Rico, Ridgway, Silverton, and Telluride.
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