Asbestos was a popular material in construction industries before the nineties. It found its applications in several industries, including electrical, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and construction. However, medical science discovered its cancer-causing properties, and many countries banned its production, import, and sale. Micro-sized asbestos fibers floating in the air can enter the lungs. Complete removal of asbestos is the only option to eliminate the health risks of asbestos.
Despite the prohibitive measures, it is not possible to eradicate asbestos from the old construction, resulting in the lurking danger of health hazards. Old properties and appliances contain asbestos that mandates complete removal to protect the health of residents. Hiring professional providers of asbestos abatement near me helps you eliminate the harmful material.
Knowing the hazardous features of asbestos
Asbestos is a toxic mineral that can cause lung disorders, including cancer. It is more harmful after disintegration because construction and renovation activities break it into fine fibers. The air-borne fibers contaminate the environment. Accidental inhalation of these fibers leads to severe health conditions like asbestosis and mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers may remain intact within the respiratory system and lungs for years because the body cannot get rid of the mineral by breaking it down. Kids are more prone to the hazardous effects of asbestos inhalation.
Asbestos, a dangerous substance, is present in old buildings and appliances. Over time, it disintegrates and poses a fatal health risk. Asbestos abatement by asbestos removal contractors is crucial to prevent asbestos exposure. Property owners planning a renovation or remodeling project must rule out asbestos risk before going ahead with the demolishment activities. Reputed contractors offering asbestos mitigation services inspect the site and plan asbestos removal to ensure the property is asbestos-free and safe for the residents.
The abatement process
Experienced asbestos abatement contractors execute the projects using qualified personnel and high-end equipment. They exercise stringent measures to prevent asbestos exposure during its removal process with proper quarantine measures and using Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits. The asbestos removal process involves four critical steps as follows:
• Inspection, detection, and testing- Use of Polarized Light Microscopy to assess asbestos material in building construction. Experts conduct several tests to determine the air quality.
• Demarcation of area- Clear demarcation of asbestos-infected areas to help technicians plan the process without hassles
• Evacuation- Evacuating residents before starting the asbestos removal process is crucial to prevent asbestos exposure
• Quarantine of work area- Sealing off the property by cutting off the ventilation and HVAC systems to arrest the release of asbestos fibers outside the work area
• Asbestos elimination- Wetting the asbestos-containing material before physical removal is essential to arrest asbestos leakage.
• Cleaning-up operation- Using powerful vacuum cleaners to ensure a hundred percent removal of residual asbestos
Importance of professional asbestos abatement
Asbestos detection is challenging because the material may be present in different products. The material was popular during the period between 1930 and 1970. Over 3,000 products had asbestos material in the construction industry alone. Demolition, renovation, and remodeling projects can cause the breakdown of intact asbestos material. The material may remain inside the property, posing a grave threat to the health of residents in the absence of any abatement process.
Properties older than three to four decades are likely to have asbestos material. It may be present as an insulating material in appliances, pipes, drywalls, and ceilings. Removing asbestos without professional help from certified asbestos removal contractors is dangerous. Precautionary measures are mandatory to prevent asbestos fibers from contaminating the air and environment.
You cannot detect asbestos fibers using the naked eye as the fine fibers keep floating in the air. Professional asbestos detection requires the use of laboratory testing and sophisticated equipment. Asbestos becomes brittle because of aging and can quickly disintegrate into fibers with a small impact. Reputed providers of asbestos abatement near me employ experienced and licensed technicians. A qualified asbestos abatement professional is the most qualified person to know whether your property requires asbestos removal.