What to Know About Friable vs Non-Friable Asbestos

February 14, 2023

Asbestos is a dangerous material that can have serious health effects when inhaled. Any homeowner needs to understand the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos, as the two forms have slightly different levels of risk. If you think you have harmful material in your home, make sure you find an asbestos inspection near me service immediately. Let's look at the differences between these two forms of asbestos, as the risks associated with each are quite different.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once used in applications for many years. It has excellent insulating and fireproofing qualities, which is why the construction and automotive industries used it. However, it was discovered that asbestos exposure causes serious health issues and leads to both short-term and long-term illnesses. As a result, asbestos has been phased out and isn't in many industries now.

What Is Friable Asbestos?

Friable asbestos is an easily crumbled form of asbestos that easily break down into tiny particles that easily become airborne. This is the more dangerous type of asbestos, as you can easily breathe it into your lungs where it can do the most damage. All asbestos is dangerous, but friable asbestos is the most dangerous. If you come into contact with friable asbestos, you must take extra care to avoid inhaling it. For example, if removing friable asbestos, avoid releasing the particles into the air. You can identify friable asbestos by its rough and crumbly texture. It's also often found in a blueish or black color.

What Is Non-friable Asbestos?

Non-friable asbestos is a less crumbly form of asbestos more resistant to being broken down. It's more difficult to inhale the particles and is generally safer to use that friable. Remember that non-friable asbestos is still dangerous upon inhalation and can cause serious health issues. As a result, always handle non-friable asbestos carefully and avoid releasing the particles into the air. Non-friable asbestos has a hard and smooth texture. It's also often found in a grey or white color.

Health Risks Associated With Inhaling Asbestos

Asbestos can lead to many serious health issues like lung disease, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Asbestos can cause several types of cancer, making it one of the most dangerous materials on earth. It's extremely harmful to those who come into contact with it, even if they don't inhale the particles. Those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing health issues later in life as well.

How to Identify Both Types of Asbestos

Asbestos can be identified by its color, texture, and the way it breaks down. Friable asbestos has a rough and crumbly texture that you can easily break. Non-friable asbestos is hard and smooth and often appears in a grey or white color. Another way to identify asbestos is to use a special type of light called black light. Asbestos glows when exposed to black light and the color of the glow varies depending on the type of asbestos.

Proper Handling and Disposal of Asbestos

Asbestos can be dangerous no matter how you handle and dispose of it. When disposing of asbestos, you must use a licensed asbestos removal company. It's the safest way to know that the asbestos is disposed of properly and won't cause any harm. If you ask yourself, "Where can I find an asbestos inspection near me?" you should check your local asbestos removal companies. They can come to your home, inspect it for asbestos, and suggest the appropriate course of action. Don't mess with it yourself, as you may release it into the air.

Consider the Age of Your Home

If your home was built before 1940, asbestos was likely used in its construction. According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2019 American Community Survey, approximately 12% of homes were built before 1940. More than half the houses were built before 1980, the unofficial cut-off point for asbestos peak usage and eventual phasing out. Since asbestos inspections aren't mandatory, find out how old any house is before purchasing it.

Don't waste time if you have asbestos in your home. Asbestos can be detrimental to your health, so handle it with care and avoid it altogether. The best way to stay safe from asbestos is to ask yourself "Where can I find asbestos inspection near me?" and use a licensed asbestos removal company. Friable and non-friable asbestos pose serious health risks, and caution must be taken when dealing with either. Contact our local asbestos service at ASAP Environmental Inc today for help.

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Why Professional Mold Inspections Are Essential for Your Home

October 15, 2025

Mold is often called a silent intruder, growing unnoticed behind walls, beneath flooring, in basements, and inside ductwork. Because it thrives in dark, damp areas, homeowners may not realize a problem exists until it has already spread. Mold doesn’t just compromise the structure of your home—it can also affect the health of everyone living inside. If left untreated, it can trigger allergies, aggravate asthma, and create long-term respiratory issues. Professional mold inspections are the most reliable way to identify, assess, and address mold problems before they become severe. These inspections go beyond surface-level checks, providing a deep and detailed look into your home’s condition. If you have ever searched online for “mold inspection near me,” you are already taking the right step toward ensuring a safer and healthier environment. Expertise and Experience Matter Professional mold inspectors bring years of training and specialized knowledge to every inspection. Their background allows them to recognize different strains of mold and understand how each can impact health and property. For example, black mold is often linked with respiratory issues, while other species may cause allergic reactions or damage materials like wood, drywall, and insulation. Beyond identifying the type of mold, professionals know the conditions that allow it to thrive. They understand how moisture, poor ventilation, and temperature can work together to create the perfect environment for mold growth. This expertise allows them to not only find existing mold but also identify areas of risk before they turn into larger problems. Comprehensive Assessment of Your Home A professional mold inspection is more than a visual check—it’s a complete evaluation of your property. Inspectors use advanced tools such as thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden moisture, moisture meters to measure dampness in building materials, and air quality monitors to measure spore levels in the environment. This thorough process means mold will be detected in places most homeowners would never think to check. Basements, crawl spaces, attics, HVAC systems, and even behind wallpaper are common hiding spots. By investigating the entire home, inspectors can pinpoint the full extent of the issue rather than just identifying what’s visible. Accurate Results and Actionable Recommendations Accuracy matters when it comes to mold detection. Professional inspectors don’t rely on guesswork. They collect samples using standardized procedures and send them to certified laboratories for testing. This ensures the results are precise and trustworthy. Once the lab results are complete, inspectors translate the findings into clear, actionable steps. They can recommend whether remediation is necessary, suggest improvements to ventilation, or highlight repairs needed to prevent future mold growth. Instead of leaving homeowners with vague answers, professionals provide a concrete plan to move forward. If you’re searching for “mold inspection near me,” it’s important to choose a provider who not only identifies the problem but also gives you the tools and advice to solve it effectively. Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run Many homeowners hesitate to schedule a mold inspection because they worry about cost. However, delaying an inspection can lead to far more expensive repairs in the future. Mold can spread quickly and damage drywall, flooring, insulation, and even structural beams. Repairing this damage often costs thousands of dollars. According to This Old House, mold thrives in areas that are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which means many homes unknowingly provide the perfect environment for it to grow. Because these conditions are so common, small moisture problems can quickly escalate into widespread infestations. When you search for “mold inspection near me,” you’re not only protecting your property—you’re also safeguarding the well-being of the people you care about most. Health and Safety Benefits for Your Family Mold is more than just a home maintenance issue—it is a health concern. Exposure can trigger allergies, sinus problems, headaches, skin irritation, and breathing difficulties. For individuals with asthma, mold exposure can worsen symptoms and cause dangerous flare-ups. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. By scheduling a professional mold inspection, you are taking an important step toward creating a healthier living environment for your family. Professional inspectors not only identify mold but also help you understand the potential health risks, empowering you to make informed decisions for your household. If you’ve been searching for “ mold inspection near me ,” now is the time to act. Don’t wait until minor issues grow into costly, damaging problems. Take the proactive step today and protect your home, your investment, and your family’s health. Contact ASAP Environmental Inc to schedule your professional mold inspection and ensure a safer, healthier home for years to come.