Asbestos is a mineral fiber, and if it becomes damaged, it can be hazardous to you and your family. Unfortunately, asbestos can be found in many older homes across America. Working with a company that can do asbestos testing in San Francisco will be able to tell you if asbestos is in your house. If you are looking to learn more about asbestos and its potential dangers, read on.
Where Can Asbestos Be Found?
Oftentimes, one can find asbestos in roofing shingles or installation of older homes. If your home was built prior to 1977, you may find that asbestos exists in textured paints, often found on the ceiling. As wonderful as it is to have an old wood stove in your home, be aware that the walls and floor surrounding it may have been protected with asbestos paper. Also, you should look for asbestos around your hot water pipes, as they may be coated with an asbestos tape. 
How is Asbestos Hazardous to Your Health?
Some health concerns related to asbestos are worse than others, but all asbestos symptoms should be taken seriously. Asbestos has been linked to lung cancer when high amounts of asbestos fibers are inhaled. If you smoke and breathe in vast amounts of asbestos over time, your chances of lung cancer increase. Usually, symptoms of lung cancer from asbestos will not occur for 20-30 years after the exposure.
How Do You to Detect Asbestos in Your Home?
The safest way to detect if asbestos is in your home is to hire a company in your area that specializes in asbestos testing. If there is damaged asbestos in your home, it is best to contact a company to conduct the testing as soon as possible.
How to Stop Asbestos Exposure in Your Home?
If your test results show that damaged asbestos is in your home, it is best to repair the damaged materials. This can be done by covering or sealing the damaged areas. However, in some cases removal may be necessary to keep you and your family healthy.