Asbestos is hazardous material in several old buildings, appliances, and constructions. Disintegration of asbestos sheets during remodeling projects, building repair, and because of aging exposes residents to the risk of lung diseases, including cancer. Contacting experienced and certified asbestos contractors with in-depth training to detect and remove asbestos is crucial. No one should attempt to tamper with the material as it releases hazardous asbestos fibers in the air.
Knowing the risks of asbestos exposure
There is enough evidence of carcinogenic (cancer-causing) properties of asbestos. Accidental inhalation of asbestos fibers may cause severe medical conditions such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other lung issues. You may not come across asbestos material in new buildings because the US limits the use of asbestos. However, we cannot rule out the presence of this material in old buildings. Asbestos was a popular construction material before the eighties. You may find asbestos in old school buildings, offices, and homes.
Over 3,000 people in the US test positive for mesothelioma because of asbestos inhalation. Asbestos fibers float in the air and are invisible to the human eye, as the fibers have a thickness of 0.01 microns. Avoiding asbestos inhalation may prevent the risk of getting asbestos-related diseases. One must keep kids out of the area that may have asbestos material because children are more prone to the hazards of asbestos inhalation.
Why should you consider asbestos abatement?
Asbestos abatement or removal makes the property asbestos-free using advanced asbestos detection and removal techniques. These are the main steps reputed asbestos removal contractors follow during the process:
- Detection of asbestos
- Identification of asbestos-containing areas
- Marking the asbestos-containing area
- Asbestos removal using powerful vacuums and Personal Protection Equipment
- Encapsulation of asbestos-containing products to eliminate exposure risk
Asbestos abatement is a complex process involving systematic and meticulous detection and removal activities to ensure the complete removal of the toxic material.
Asbestos-containing products
Asbestos has heat-resistant properties that explain its use in several applications. Roofing and thermal insulation were the most common uses of asbestos. Here are a few typical asbestos-containing products one may find in old buildings:
- Drywalls, roofs, and siding
- Popcorn ceilings
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Ceiling tiles, vermiculite insulation, and coatings
- Electrical panels
- Caulking, putties, and plasters
- Coverings of ducts and pipes
- Fireplaces and thermal boilers
- Plumbing fixtures
The long list of asbestos-containing products and applications highlights the significance of hiring professional asbestos contractors for removal. Failure to hire professionals or tampering with asbestos-containing products can lead to the release of asbestos microfibers. These are harmful to the health of residents.
One must be careful if there are asbestos-containing products on the property. You must keep the kids away from the suspected areas and contact reputed asbestos removal contractors with no delay. Avoiding activities like sweeping, vacuuming, and dusting to reduce the inhalation of asbestos fibers. You must not tamper with or remove the material which may contain asbestos.
About asbestos removal contractors
Asbestos contractors differ as per their specialization. Many asbestos removal contractors limit their work to the abatement of asbestos, while a few companies provide general contracting services, such as demolition, renovation, remodeling, and other construction activities.
Asbestos contractors provide these services to safeguard your property from the asbestos menace:
- Asbestos project Class I- Abatement of asbestos-containing products in the construction that prevent heat
- Asbestos project Class II- Removal of asbestos-containing material in applications that do not require insulation
- Asbestos project Class III- It involves repair and maintenance projects besides asbestos removal by taking all necessary precautions
Hiring a reputed asbestos abatement company complying with local, state, and federal regulations is a must. Established contractors ensure compliance with the licensing requirements of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Contacting regulated and licensed asbestos removal contractors is a prudent choice, though it is not mandatory.