Asbestos is a naturally-occurring, fibrous mineral that was once commonly used in various building materials, including insulation, floor tiles, and roofing shingles. While asbestos is no longer widely used in the United States, it is still present in many older buildings. Unfortunately, exposure to asbestos fibers can have serious health consequences. So, if you’re considering buying or renovating a commercial building, here is why you’ll want to be aware of the risks of asbestos in the workplace, and the experts from AccuSpect Inspections can help.
The Health Risks of Asbestos
Unfortunately, due to the high number of older buildings with asbestos, there are more workers exposed than you might think. Even if your building is in good shape, an unknown amount of asbestos could be causing harm to your employees. In fact, asbestos exposure has been linked to these health conditions:
Lung cancer: Asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer when they are inhaled and become trapped in the lungs. This is the most serious and potentially life-threatening consequence of asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma: This is a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart. It is almost always caused by asbestos exposure and can take decades to develop after initial exposure.
Asbestosis: This is a chronic lung disease that can cause scarring of the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and a reduced ability to take in oxygen.
Other respiratory problems: Asbestos exposure can also cause a range of other respiratory problems, including shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.
How You Can Mitigate Exposure
It’s important for workers to be aware of the risks of asbestos exposure. Thankfully, there are steps they can take to protect themselves. This may include wearing protective clothing and equipment, such as masks and respirators when working with or around asbestos. This is especially true if you’re renovating your office space while maintaining normal operations. Employers also have a responsibility to protect their employees from asbestos and to properly label and maintain any materials that contain asbestos.
Get Your Inspection Scheduled Today
Unfortunately, there is no cure for asbestos-related illnesses. This makes getting a commercial property inspection from AccuSpect all the more important. The most valuable assets your company has are the people who work for you, so protecting them is a top priority. We also specialize in radon testing and mold inspections. So, if you’re operating in Detroit, Ann Arbor, or Troy, MI, schedule your appointment with us at (734) 467-7328. Our detailed reports will show if you have asbestos in the workplace!