Floods can be immensely damaging for homes and commercial buildings. During a flood situation, water can seep into the tiniest of cracks in buildings, causing structural damage, electrical damage and promoting a moist environment that can support the growth of mold. Floods can also damage different parts of buildings and lead to the release of hazardous substances. One such substance that can be present in older buildings is asbestos.
If you take a closer look at older buildings, you will realize that asbestos was widely used for flooring, roofing and insulation. When asbestos sustains damage over the years or is subject to renovation, it can release asbestos fibers that can cause breathing issues in people residing in the area. For this reason flood restoration can be complicated by the presence of asbestos. It is best to seek the assistance of asbestos contractors to ensure safe and efficient removal of asbestos.
The danger of asbestos
As mentioned earlier, the primary danger in disturbing asbestos is the release of microscopic asbestos fibers into the atmosphere. When inhaled, these fibers can lead to serious health issues including lung cancer, mesothelioma or asbestosis. When water seeps into material containing fibre during floods, the risk of asbestos exposure is high. This is also true when it comes to flood restoration. For this reason, it is vital to hire specialists in flood restoration near me if you need to repair or remove materials that may contain asbestos.
Assessment of asbestos
Contractors specializing in asbestos restoration start off with evaluating if asbestos is actually present in a specific building. It is important to remember that asbestos may not be immediately visible or identifiable in many cases. However, the building may still feature materials that contain asbestos. Contractors with ample experience in this field conduct thorough inspection to identify if asbestos is present in any part of the building. In case the presence of asbestos is detected, the contractor will provide reliable guidance on how to carry on with the restoration process.
Adherence to safety protocols
There are specified safety protocols to be followed while restoring or removing asbestos in buildings. Experienced asbestos contractors follow these rules to ensure safe handling of materials containing asbestos and protect workers and building occupants from the harmful effects of asbestos exposure. Some of these safety measures are as follows:
• Using respirators to avoid inhalation of microscopic asbestos fibers
• Using disposable coveralls to prevent asbestos from sticking onto skin or clothes and finding its way into the respiratory system
• Setting up containment areas so that asbestos fibers do not spread beyond the marked area
• Employing safe work practices to keep the risk of asbestos exposure minimal
Proper disposal of asbestos
The care that is taken in handling asbestos and safely removing it is also implemented when it comes to proper disposal of material containing asbestos. In fact, there are local, state and federal regulations in place regarding the safe disposal of asbestos. Licensed asbestos contractors understand these intricacies and follow these regulations to ensure that the disposal does not create health or environmental issues.
Preventing mold growth
Homes and commercial buildings affected by floods at highly susceptible to hosting moist spots that can promote the growth of mold. Did you know that mold can be a serious health hazard? It can trigger allergic outbreaks and cause breathing issues in people with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Contractors specialized in removing asbestos can help you with eliminating this health risk. These professionals are equipped with the technical expertise and advanced dehumidifying equipment to effectively eliminate moisture from various surfaces.
Hiring the services of certified contractors to remove asbestos can take a lot off your mind after a stressful experience such as a flood. With the help of trained and experienced professionals, you can rest assured that all traces of asbestos will be efficiently handled and safely removed during the flood restoration process.