Asbestos is a carcinogenic agent that was used for a variety of applications after World War II until the mid-70s, when it was found to be dangerous. The most common varieties of asbestos are crocidolite, chrysotile, and amosite, which was popular for its use in the construction of buildings. Instead of breaking down into dust like most construction materials, asbestos turns into small fibers that can be harmful when inhaled or ingested.

Asbestos was used in construction from the end of World War II until about the mid-1970s. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nearly 1 million public and commercial buildings have a significant amount of asbestos.

Some of the most popular products that may contain asbestos include older plastics, paper goods, brake pads, floor tiles, and textiles, as well as some heavy machinery parts. However, the law prohibits the processing, manufacturing, and importation of asbestos products. Of course, there are still instances in which asbestos can be present in older homes and buildings.

Asbestos is an easily broken down material. Rather than turning into a dusty substance, Asbestos turns into small fibers that are airborne and may be ingested or inhaled. Asbestos can affect everyone from workers that are exposed, to their families when they bring home the fibers on their clothes, hair, skin, etc.

Mesothelioma is a disease in which the cells along the lining of the chest or abdomen become abnormal and divide uncontrollably. These cancerous cells can damage nearby tissues and organs as a result.

A chest X-ray alone cannot detect the asbestos fibers. However, X-rays can show signs of early symptoms related to lung disease and changes in the lungs due to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos-containing materials should be tested by a professional asbestos testing company. It’s virtually impossible to tell whether a material contains asbestos by just looking at it.

You have 45 days to return items for a full refund, with or without a receipt. Items must still have their original tags.