Asbestos, once widely used in construction materials, poses serious health risks if disturbed or deteriorated. Many older homes in Solon, OH, may still contain asbestos, making professional asbestos testing essential for homeowners. If you live in an older home or suspect the presence of asbestos, it’s important to have your property inspected and tested by experts. At Hathaway Environmental LLC, we specialize in asbestos testing and removal, ensuring that your home is safe from the dangers of asbestos exposure. Below, we explore why asbestos testing is so crucial and how our services can help you protect your health and property.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was once prized for its durability and ability to withstand heat and cold. It was widely used in various building materials, such as insulation, roofing shingles, floor tiles, and even drywall. However, as its health risks became clear, its use was drastically reduced and eventually banned in most products.

The real danger of asbestos lies in its microscopic fibers. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed—whether through renovations, damage, or natural wear—these fibers can become airborne. Inhalation of these fibers can lead to severe health conditions, including:



• Asbestosis: A chronic lung condition characterized by scarred lung tissue, often caused by breathing in asbestos fibers.
• Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen.
• Lung Cancer: Exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of developing lung cancer, especially for smokers.

The latency period for asbestos-related diseases can be decades, which means symptoms may not appear until many years after exposure. This delayed onset makes asbestos testing and removal critical for the safety of your home and family.

Homes built before the 1980s are most likely to contain asbestos materials, though even some homes built after that time may still have asbestos in certain components. If you're unsure whether your Solon home contains asbestos, it's best to err on the side of caution. Here are some common areas where asbestos might be found in older homes:

• Insulation: Asbestos was commonly used as an insulating material in attics, around pipes, and in HVAC systems.
• Roofing and Siding: Asphalt and cement roofing shingles, as well as siding, often contain asbestos.
• Flooring: Vinyl tiles, especially those that are 9x9 inches in size, are likely to contain asbestos. The adhesive used for tiles and flooring can also contain asbestos.
• Textured Paint and Popcorn Ceilings: Many homes used asbestos-containing compounds in textured ceilings and wall finishes.
• Drywall and Joint Compound: Asbestos was used in some drywall and joint compound products before the 1980s.

If your home contains any of these materials and they are showing signs of wear or damage, it's vital to have them tested. Never attempt to remove or handle asbestos-containing materials yourself, as doing so could release harmful fibers into the air. Hiring a licensed asbestos testing and removal company, such as Hathaway Environmental LLC, ensures that the process is conducted safely and in compliance with all regulations.

At Hathaway Environmental LLC, we follow a thorough, step-by-step process for asbestos testing to ensure the safety of your home. Here’s what you can expect during our asbestos testing service:

1. Initial Inspection: Our certified asbestos professionals will conduct a comprehensive inspection of your property. We identify areas of concern where asbestos may be present, particularly in older materials like insulation, flooring, and roofing.
2. Sampling: If we suspect asbestos, we’ll carefully collect samples from the materials in question. These samples are handled with extreme care to prevent contamination and sent to a certified laboratory for analysis.
3. Laboratory Analysis: The samples are analyzed in a specialized lab using advanced techniques to detect asbestos fibers. The results will confirm whether asbestos is present and, if so, in what concentrations.
4. Reporting: Once the lab results are in, we will provide you with a detailed report of our findings. If asbestos is detected, we’ll offer recommendations for removal or containment to ensure the safety of your home.
5. Asbestos Abatement (if necessary): If asbestos is present, removal or abatement is the next step. We offer professional asbestos removal services, ensuring that the hazardous material is handled safely, contained, and properly disposed of according to federal and state guidelines.
   

If you are planning to renovate your home in Solon, OH, asbestos testing is a crucial first step. Even minor renovations, such as removing old flooring, tearing down walls, or replacing a roof, can disturb asbestos-containing materials and release dangerous fibers into the air. Disturbing asbestos without proper precautions can lead to exposure, putting your family, contractors, and neighbors at risk.



Many homeowners are unaware that their homes contain asbestos until they begin renovations. This oversight can result in unintended exposure and contamination, leading to costly remediation. By conducting asbestos testing before renovations, you can identify and address any asbestos issues beforehand, avoiding potential health risks and ensuring a smoother remodeling process.

At Hathaway Environmental LLC, we are dedicated to helping homeowners in Solon, OH, and the surrounding areas safeguard their homes from the dangers of asbestos. Our team is fully licensed, insured, and certified to perform asbestos testing and removal in compliance with all safety regulations. Here’s why we stand out:

• Expertise: With years of experience in environmental testing and hazardous material removal, we have the knowledge and skills to handle even the most complex asbestos issues.
• Safety First: We prioritize your safety and take every precaution to ensure that asbestos fibers are contained and removed without risking contamination.
• Comprehensive Service: From initial inspections and testing to asbestos abatement, we provide end-to-end services to give you peace of mind.
• Local Knowledge: As a local company, we understand the unique challenges that homeowners in Solon, OH, face when it comes to older homes and asbestos risks.
• Affordable Pricing: We offer competitive rates for asbestos testing and removal, ensuring that every homeowner can afford to make their home safe.