Asbestos Hazards

asbestos hazard

Asbestos has always been a respiratory hazard and respiratory/gastrointestinal carcinogen. Asbestos tends to break down into a dust of microscopic size fibers. Exposure to asbestos occurs when respirable fibers are released into the air and then inhaled. Because of their size and shape, these tiny fibers remain suspended in the air for long periods of time and can easily penetrate body tissues after being inhaled or ingested. Remember, asbestos fibers are much too small to be seen without a powerful microscope. In fact, an average human hair is approximately 1200 times thicker than an asbestos fiber.

Asbestos is especially dangerous when breathed in. It is very hard to determine if asbestos is present in the air you breathe, as it does not cause immediate problems like coughing or itchiness. Symptoms may not appear for 10 to 40 years after being exposed to asbestos. Diseases caused by asbestos are hard to treat and most often impossible to cure. Asbestosis is one common asbestos related disease. It causes an inflammation in the lungs. Mesothelioma is a rare asbestos disease that is a cancer of the outside lining of the lungs and abdomen. Asbestos has also been associated with other forms of lung cancer. Asbestos related diseases are very painful. Since exposure occurs when asbestos is inhaled, the best way to prevent exposure is to prevent asbestos fibers from becoming airborne...Period.

Asbestos is no longer used due to the health concerns surrounding this material. Asbestos is most dangerous when a product made from it is bothered and the dust is released into the air. The only way to safely handle, detect, encapsulate or remove asbestos is through a Massachusetts professional who is trained to work with asbestos.

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Buying a home is arguably the most important, exciting and nerve-wracking purchase a person will ever make. This is the reason you need a great home inspector, and Dave Valley is just that. He is empathetic – he understands and appreciates the various emotions a potential home-buyer goes through. Most importantly, Dave provides you with objective information so you can make the most informed decision possible.

It was a pleasure working with Dave – he contains all the qualities that make a great home inspector – he is the consummate professional, prompt, courteous, meticulous in his detail and honest. Dave was reasonably priced – in fact Dave charged me the same amount I spent 10 years earlier on a smaller house and provided a far better work product.

Prompt

I arrived at the house at the agreed upon time on a cold and nasty day, and found Dave outside inspecting the exterior of the home. He was already a half hour into his inspection – I think this exemplifies and is symbolic of the fact that Dave is respectful of his client’s time.

Courteous

Dave was pleasant to deal with, personable and thoughtful not only to his client but also to the buyer’s real estate agent.

Detail-oriented

Dave spent almost four hours in his investigation of a 2,000 square foot house. He answered all my questions and reviewed every observation he had with me. David provided a detailed report, and encouraged me to call and email him to discuss the report and to ask questions.

Conclusion

The highest compliment I can give Dave is to say that I would use him again and will encourage and recommend him to others.

Michael S. Giaimo