What is Asbestos

Asbestos is a group of naturally occuring minerals that are resistant to heat and corrosion. Breathing asbestos fibers can cause a buildup of scar-like tissue in the lungs called asbestosis and result in loss of lung function that often progresses to disability and death.

Asbestos was used extensively in building materials in the past. At its peak use in the 1950s - 70s, it was used in thousands of building products.

Because of its fiber strength and heat resistance asbestos has been used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. Asbestos has also been used in a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials.

Mold will grow where there is moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been a flood. Mold grows on paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery. 

There are many types of mold – all of them need water or moisture to grow. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth often occurs, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. 

Mold is a broad term that describes a range of micro-organisms that grow in the presence of a food source and usually require sufficient moisture. More specifically, mold is a type of fungi, and growths are sometimes generically called “mildew.”