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We can be reached
in the following ways:

Phone: 281-482-7147
Fax: 281-482-7203
e-mail: mehi@wt.net

McKee Environmental Health, Inc.
303 Westfield Ln.
Friendswood, TX
77546

McKee Environmental Health, Inc.



ASBESTOS IN THE HOME

Some Facts About Asbestos In The Home

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally-occurring minerals. There are six types of asbestos minerals: Chrysotile, Amosite, Crocidolite, Anthophyllite, Tremolite and Actinolite. The three commonly used types are Chrysotile, Amosite and Crocidolite. These minerals are found mainly in Canada, Africa, Russia and the United States, in commercial quantities. Asbestos minerals separate into long, thin, very durable fibers which makes it an ideal additive to most commercial building products, and may also be woven into heat-resistant and fire- resistant clothing and mats. Asbestos is also desireable for it's insulating properties, for soundproofing, resistance to chemicals, and for it's strength.

Where In My Home Might Asbestos Be Found?

Most homes built or remodeled before about 1980 probably have some asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in them. Currently, the EPA considers any material to be ACM if it contains greater than 1% asbestos. Asbestos-Containing Materials may vary between 1% and 100% in asbestos content. Some of the suspected culprits in older homes are:

  • Linoleum and floor tiles, and mastics
  • Linoleum and floor tiles, and mastics
  • Roof materials, including felt, shingles and tar
  • Textured wall and ceiling material
  • Wall and ceiling joint compounds applied prior to 1977
  • Thermal System Insulation (i.e. pipe insulation) applied between 1920 and 1972, approximately
  • Air handler vibration dampers
  • Electrical wiring insulated with asbestos
  • Stove door gaskets

What Are The Health Risks Of Having Asbestos In My Home?

Asbestos becomes a problem when it is ingested or inhaled. When asbestos-containing materials are pulverised they release microscopic fibers into the air, where they can remain suspended for a long time. Therefore homeowners should be cautious not to disturb asbestos when remodeling or doing repairs. When a person inhales asbestos it remains in the lungs for life, sometimes causing asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis and lung cancer and mesothelioma. Certainly, nearly all cases of people with asbestos-related diseases have been those with a close connection to the asbestos manufacturing and mining industries. People with only an incedental exposure to asbestos ususally don't develop health problems related to asbestos. However, there is not at this time any known "safe" exposure level. You should avoid exposing yourself and others to asbestos.

Asbestos in good condition should not be disturbed. If it isn't damaged or friable (able to be crushed with only hand pressure) it usually poses little or no health risk. However, if you must remove asbestos McKee Environmental advises you to seek the counsel of a licensed asbestos consultant, and use a licensed asbestos contractor for the removal.

For those wanting to do-it-yourself, please observe the following precautions:

  1. Always work with it wet whenever possible.
  2. Try to remove the material in large sections in an effort to minimize fiber release.
  3. Place removed, wet asbestos material in plastic bags that can be sealed airtight.
  4. DO NOT sand or abrade ACM, especially vinyl-asbestos floor tile and linoleum. Avoid tearing linoleum, as the fibrous backing is usually friable.
  5. Clean the room or work area with a wet mop and sponges. DO NOT VACUUM THE DEBRIS, unless a HEPA vacuum machine is used.
  6. Asbestos waste should be carried to a recognized asbestos landfill.

Asbestos Services

Asbestos Inspections

  • Property Transfer
  • Pre-Demolition or Renovation

Abatement Management Services

  • Specification Writing
  • Removal Supervision
  • Air Monitoring

Operations & Management Services

Mobile Asbestos Laboratory On-Site

  • Self-Contained (fiber counts & bulk I.D.)

Asbestos Analysis

  • Identification of Bulk Samples by Polarized Light Microscopy
  • Fiber Counts by Phase-Contrast Microscopy NIOSH Method #7400

If you don't know whether your home contains asbestos-containing materials you should contact an accredited asbestos inspector in your area. Mckee Environmental is accredited and licensed in the state of Texas. We can be reached in the following ways:

Phone: 281-482-7147
Fax: 281-482-7203