Asbestos was rampantly used in the construction industry in the 19th century due to its notable properties, such as heat resistance, versatility, strength, and affordability. However, it soon became apparent that asbestos affects health adversely and is the primary cause of various illnesses, including mesothelioma and asbestos-related cancers.
As more proof emerged of the ill effects of asbestos, it was ultimately banned in the United States in 1978. However, builders and manufacturers were allowed to utilize their existing asbestos supply, resulting in the potential presence of asbestos in homes constructed as late as 1986.
A few reports about asbestos ring a disturbing alarm. They indicate that approximately 30 million residential and commercial buildings in the United States still contain some form of asbestos-containing material.
The challenging nature of the asbestos abatement process has turned the asbestos removal industry into a multi-billion-dollar business. It is crucial to entrust asbestos removal tasks to licensed asbestos removal contractors with expertise in handling such materials.
In many cases, asbestos-containing materials can be more dangerous when removed, and it makes sense to leave them undisturbed. Experts think that if the materials are in good condition, they should not be disturbed.
However, if they pose a threat, either repair or removal must be considered but make sure only professional asbestos removal contractors with the proper licensing conduct the asbestos testing to determine if the disposal is both necessary and can be done safely.
The rules governing the handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos are stringent and must be adhered to strictly. Only experienced and authorized contractors with the right tools and expertise can perform asbestos abatement properly.
Asbestos Repair
When it comes to asbestos repair, the following methods are generally employed.
Encapsulation
This involves applying a sealant coating to asbestos materials to prevent the release of loose asbestos fibers into the air.
Enclosure
In this method, asbestos materials are secured with an airtight material to enclose the fibers and prevent their dispersion into the air.
Asbestos Removal
Asbestos removal must follow strict state and federal guidelines to ensure safety. Hiring the services of authorized asbestos removal companies is highly recommended. They undergo training courses to remove asbestos by adhering to the guidelines.
Sealing Off The Area
The work area is enclosed with plastic sheeting to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers. The taped seals are methodically checked to ensure no fibers can escape.
Installation Of HEPA Air Filters And Exhaust Ducts
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are placed in the work area to clean the air. Exhaust ducts are activated to capture stray fibers that might have escaped the area.
Protective Measures For Workers
Workers involved in asbestos removal must wear protective suits and respirators and ensure adequate protection of their health.
Controlled Access To The Work Area
Unauthorized individuals cannot enter the workspace once the asbestos removal process begins.
Inspections
Inspections are conducted at various stages of the asbestos removal process to verify the complete removal of all asbestos materials. The removed asbestos is placed in double plastic bags of 6 mil thick each.
Cleaning The Work Area
After removal, the work area is meticulously cleaned using HEPA vacuums and wiping down surfaces.
Asbestos Disposal
Asbestos disposal is a highly critical and risky task, so it is crucial to handle it properly to prevent any health hazards. Asbestos materials are sealed in a designated dumpster and taken to an approved asbestos disposal site.
A DTSC certificate accompanies the asbestos materials during disposal. They ensure the asbestos material is properly labeled and identified as toxic and hazardous waste. This careful disposal process aims to keep the asbestos materials undisturbed and removes potential risks.
K&M is a safe and efficient asbestos testing and removal service for businesses in DMV (Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC) area. They have the license and the expertise to ensure safe asbestos removal from residential buildings, prioritizing cleanliness and safety.