Illinois Asbestos Expert Educates Residents about Asbestos Hazards in the Home

Nov. 5, 2012 - PRLog -- Until the 1970s, many types of building products and insulation materials used in homes and other buildings contained asbestos.  Across Chicago and the Midwest, many homes and properties still contain these materials made with asbestos.

Exposure to asbestos fibers is known to cause serious health hazards including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.  Ed Chambers, President of EC2, is one of the area’s leading asbestos experts.  He shared the following, “Numerous homes across the region still contain asbestos.  If you think your home may have asbestos it’s important to not panic. Check suspect materials regularly if you think they may contain asbestos. Don't touch it, but look for signs of wear or damage such as tears, abrasions, or water damage. Damaged material may release asbestos fibers into the air. This is particularly true if the materials are often disturbed by hitting, rubbing, or handling.  Materials exposed to extreme vibration or air flow are also a concern.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides the following advice, “You can't tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labeled. If in doubt, treat the material as if it contains asbestos or have it sampled and analyzed by a qualified professional. A professional should take samples for analysis, since a professional knows what to look for, and because there may be an increased health risk if fibers are released. In fact, if done incorrectly, sampling can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone. Taking samples yourself is not recommended.”

EC2 provides comprehensive asbestos investigations and sampling services.  They have sponsored an educational video about what people should do if they suspect asbestos may be in their home.  It can be viewed at: http://youtu.be/MqSn_OCATLk



To learn more about asbestos, environmental, mold or indoor air quality (IAQ) issues, please visit http://www.4ec2inc.com, email info@4ec2inc.com or call (815) 703-9000.

About EC2, Inc.
EC2 is a leading provider of environmental consulting and inspection services for clients across the United States.  Based in the Chicago area, the company provides their services to clients ranging from local companies and institutions to International Fortune 500 Corporations.