Asbestos was commonly used in the construction industry until researchers discovered its potential to cause immense harm to humans and the environment. Asbestos was used for strengthening construction quality, insulation needs, and making homes and establishments fire-resistant until the mid-1980s. It was banned in 1999.
Exposure to asbestos fibers significantly elevates the chance of contracting diseases associated with asbestos exposure. The potential for developing such diseases is amplified if you:
- Engage in tasks involving the handling or proximity to damaged materials containing asbestos.
- Inhale asbestos fibers at levels significantly surpassing those found in the environment.
The manifestation of disease symptoms might be significantly delayed. Signs of these diseases may only become apparent after 20 to 30 years following asbestos exposure.
Precautions To Be Taken
Detecting the presence of asbestos within your residence can be a challenging endeavor. It may necessitate the engagement of a proficient surveyor or skilled asbestos removal contractors who can procure a sample or conduct a comprehensive assessment.
If you have concerns about asbestos arising in your household, follow these steps:
- Do not disturb any suspected asbestos materials, and refrain from activities that could release asbestos fibers into the air.
- Avoid using drawing pins, screws, or nails on asbestos-containing materials, and do not apply adhesive tape. Such actions could result in the dispersion of asbestos fibers into the surrounding air.
- Refrain from sanding, drilling, or sawing asbestos-containing materials, as these actions may lead to the release of asbestos particles.
Before embarking on any asbestos removal, seeking advice from asbestos removal contractors specializing in asbestos management is imperative. Enlist a licensed contractor’s services to eliminate asbestos lagging, spray coatings, or insulation boards. These have the expertise to manage the removal of such materials safely.
To remove asbestos materials like asbestos cement or vinyl floor tiles, ensure that a skilled contractor, backed by insurance, is entrusted with the task.
Maintain alertness and adhere to these precautions to safeguard the well-being of yourself and the environment from potential asbestos-related hazards.
Why Homeowners Should Enlist an Asbestos Abatement Firm
While asbestos utilization has dwindled due to the stringent regulatory measures, product bans, and the adoption of safer alternatives, the potential for asbestos exposure from older materials still looms over the public. When engaging in renovation or demolition activities, asbestos-laden materials could undergo disruption.
In instances where building materials display signs of wear and tear or breakage, homeowners and workers must reach out to an asbestos abatement company. Intact asbestos-containing products in good condition are generally deemed safe. However, homeowners must monitor these materials for any indications of deterioration diligently.
To ensure the safety of the general populace, seeking the expertise of an asbestos abatement firm to assess the situation is of utmost importance. Skilled abatement professionals can execute asbestos encapsulation or undertake the removal process.
Asbestos Experts: Their Roles and Capabilities
Depending on the circumstance, you might engage the services of one of the leading asbestos removal companies or seek a specialist trained in managing specific asbestos-containing products.
Asbestos abatement professionals can undertake various tasks, including conducting thorough home inspections, procuring samples of suspected materials, evaluating their condition, and offering recommendations regarding required corrections and the appropriate experts to carry them out.
The federal government offers comprehensive training programs for asbestos professionals nationwide. Several state and local governments also mandate or offer training and certification courses. When hiring asbestos professionals, requesting documentation of their completion of federally or state-approved training is prudent.
Each individual involved in tasks within your home should be able to provide evidence of training and licensing in asbestos work, including the completion of EPA-endorsed training.