Asbestos Found in Breaching Insulation

Breaching Insulation is a material that was used to insulate commercial boiler ducts. It naturally contained asbestos as that was the preferred material used for all insulations needs in those days. Use of asbestos in the manufacture of new products has been heavily regulated since the link with diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma was established. But most buildings belonging to the period before the ban continue to have Breaching Insulation in their commercial boiler ducts.

Asbestos Exposure from Breaching Insulation

In spite of the fact that asbestos exposure causes fatal diseases, identifying and having asbestos removed by a licensed asbestos-removal technician is not the priority it should be for many companies and property owners. Scientists and researchers have unquestionably linked the material to diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis that are to date without a known cure. Moreover, the disease manifests late in the staging of the disease and not much other palliative care can be administered.

It is true that if the product remains intact, it is not harmful to those who inhabit the building and are part of the confines. But it is also true that if the breaching insulation that contains asbestos is not removed and it deteriorates due to weathering or is damaged or broken, millions of tiny asbestos particles are released into the air. When inhaled, these particles remain lodged in the linings of the body's organs. They fester there for many years causing irritation and inflammation and eventually manifest as asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

Breaching Insulation Containing Asbestos Fibers

In this manner, asbestos is a type of carcinogen; in fact, it more deadly than the other forms as it has no known cure to date. Moreover, it has a long latency period spanning 20 to 50 years between exposure to asbestos and the development of the disease. Lastly, mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because in the initial stages, the symptoms are generic and can be mistaken for a viral infection.

Besides the persons living in a house with breaching insulation, the workers who work on renovations are most at risk. A thumb rule to detect the presence of Breaching Insulation is to determine the age of the building and by having a sample from the duct tested in an accredited laboratory for the presence of asbestos. EPA prescribes strict procedures on how to handle the removal of asbestos containing products like Breaching Insulation. These should be adhered to closely in the best interest of all working on the project.