If you live or work in an older building, you may have exposed yourself to asbestos. This is a type of material included in many construction materials in the past because of its heat resistance and fiber strength.
Although asbestos provides many benefits for building construction, when exposed to it, your chances of developing lung disease increase. More specifically, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to asbestos can result in mesothelioma. If you believe you live or work in a building that has asbestos, there are a few signs you can watch out for to determine if this harmful material is present.
Check the date of the material
The construction date of a building or the date of installation of a certain material can help you determine if it contains asbestos. In many cases, buildings constructed up to the 1980s are more likely to have asbestos materials than others constructed more recently.
Look at the building joints
On the outside of a building, aluminum runners often attach asbestos sheets together. This particular design could be a sign that a structure includes asbestos materials.
Analyze the surface patterns
Most materials that contain asbestos feature a surface pattern that looks like there are shallow craters or small dimples all over the surface. If you notice a dimpled pattern on the surface of material, it is worth taking precautions to prevent asbestos exposure.
If you develop health problems due to asbestos exposure, these can alter your life in many ways. Take action to protect your rights if prolonged exposure to asbestos has harmed your ability to work and live a normal life.