There are a lot of questions that we get asked here at Home Biotesting, and some are more common than others, but one of the most common questions we hear is “Does asbestos have a smell?”. Many people are concerned with the possibility of asbestos in their homes or businesses and want to know how they can best detect it in their homes.
We’re going to dive into whether or not asbestos has a smell, and if that can be used as any sort of reliable way of predicting the presence of asbestos in a property. We’ll also cover what to do if you do detect asbestos in your home or business, and who you can turn to for professional abatement.
Asbestos: Silent but Deadly
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals renowned for their heat resistance, general durability, and insulating properties. It was a material commonly used in construction, military applications, and more, for decades. From the 1940s to the 1970s it was considered a miracle mineral.
Then, however, it was discovered that it held significant long-term health risks for those exposed to it. Detecting it can be a problem for some, as its odorless nature makes it impossible to detect via smell.
Does asbestos have a smell? No. None.
If Asbestos Doesn’t Smell, How Can You Detect It?
Since it’s more or less impossible to answer the question “What does asbestos smell like?”, it’s critical to understand how to identify possible asbestos or asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Asbestos was commonly used in both residential and commercial buildings, in materials like floor tiles, insulation, paint, ceiling tiles, and more. However, just because a home is older, doesn’t mean it has asbestos, and just because a house is newer doesn’t mean it’s asbestos-free. The only way to positively identify asbestos or ACMs is to have a professional test done. Home Biotesting, for example, specializes in asbestos testing and abatement.
The Risks of Ignoring Asbestos
The biggest danger of asbestos is disturbing it. When ACMs are disturbed and damaged, the damage results in the release of microscopic fibers into the air. Inhaling these fibers is the first step to developing incredibly serious and even deadly conditions like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other types of cancer.
Since you can’t rely on your nose to help you find asbestos or ACMs, the best way to find them is to be proactive. Never try to remove or even disturb anything suspected to contain asbestos without professional help. Choosing to do so can put you at risk of developing an often-fatal condition, 20 to 40 years down the road. Since the latency for asbestos-related conditions is so long, it can be decades before you even know if you’ve been exposed.
Relying on Professional Asbestos Abatement
At Home Biotesting, we don’t just test for asbestos, we also provide certified, professional, asbestos abatement services. Our team is highly trained to safely remove and dispose of dangerous ACMs. From your initial asbestos testing to your final abatement visit, we’ll help guide you every step of the way. You’ll be able to reclaim your healthy indoor environment
Act Now For a Safer Tomorrow With Home Biotesting
Understanding that asbestos does not have any detectable smell can help you make the right decision when it comes to asbestos inspection and abatement. By recognizing the limitations of our senses, we place a greater value on professional testing services.
If you’re concerned about the potential presence of asbestos in your home or business environment, don’t hesitate. Contact Home Biotesting today to leverage our expert guidance, accurate testing, and professional asbestos abatement. Remember that when it comes to your health and safety, there’s no room for rumors or guesswork. Trust the professionals.