Asbestos and Lead

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. Because of health issues, the EPA has banned several asbestos products and manufacturers have voluntarily limited the use of asbestos in their products. Today, asbestos is most commonly found in older buildings, in pipe and furnace insulation materials, asbestos shingles, millboard, textured paints and other coating materials, and floor tiles.

Listed below are common requests for asbestos sampling:

• Damaged thermal systems pipe insulation
• Renovations of work space, including carpeting
  
• Routine and special maintenance

Lead is a heavy metal. Even though laws now prevent lead from being used in many products; there can still be lead hazards in and around buildings we frequent or work. Lead can get into the air, water, food, soil, and even dust and then can be breathed or swallowed leading to serious health problems. Because lead poisoning often occurs with no immediate symptoms, it frequently goes unrecognized. Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and, at very high levels, seizures, coma, and even death. Common lead sources::

• Paint
• Dust
• Soil
• Imported mini-blinds
• Bare soil or sand
• Car batteries
• Ammunition
• Artist paint