If you are considering buying or selling a home built before the 1980s, you should be aware of the possibility of asbestos presence in the house. Back in those days, asbestos was a popular building material. Today, we know the health hazards it presents. Read this article for an asbestos testing and hazards overview, and to learn more about what you can do to identify and mitigate asbestos. 

What is Asbestos and Why Should Homeowners Care? 

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was widely used in many products because of its excellent heat resistance, durability, and low cost. However, the characteristics that made asbestos a raw material of choice comes at a great cost—human health. 

How Does Asbestos Affect Human Health? 

Asbestos fibers are microscopic and odorless materials that could pose several health risks if inhaled or ingested. When the fibers enter the body, they lodge in the mucous membranes of the nose, lungs, or digestive tracts.