Asbestos Removal Services

Asbestos Uses

Asbestos was used extensively in construction as an insulator. It can also be added to paper, cement, and plastic to make them stronger. The fibers can be permanently trapped in the body if they are inhaled or inhaled. Trapped asbestos fibers can lead to inflammation, scarring, and eventually, genetic damage.

Asbestos exposure can lead to cancer and other serious health problems. Asbestos exposure almost exclusively causes mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer. Asbestosis is a progressive lung disease that can be caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos’ carcinogenic properties make it dangerous.

Exposition Risk

Although asbestos exposure can be dangerous, it is not safe in any amount.  Exposure can come from many areas; asbestos siding removal, removing asbestos floor tiles, or vermiculite insulation, to name a few.  People often wonder, who does asbestos removal near me? Or, how much does asbestos removal cost?

Every exposure to asbestos causes more damage and the body retains more of it.

Once they are airborne, asbestos fibers can easily be inhaled. It is important not to disturb products that could contain asbestos. People who live in areas with naturally occurring asbestos deposits need to avoid disturbing soil that could be contaminated.

Americans are most often exposed to asbestos today through demolition or renovation work on old buildings that still contain legacy asbestos products.

Asbestos exposure can lead to cancer and other serious health problems. Asbestos exposure almost exclusively causes mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer. Asbestosis is a progressive lung disease that can be caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos’ carcinogenic properties make it dangerous.

The 1986 Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act recognizes six types of asbestos. They fall into two categories: Amphibole or serpentine.

Serpentine asbestos fibers are curly. Only one type of Chrysotile is available. Also known as “white asbestos”, it is the only kind.

While asbestos can be found all over the globe, its main exporters are Russia and Kazakhstan. It was once found in North America.

Asbestos can be found in large quantities or as contaminates within other minerals like talc or vermiculite. Usually, chrysotile asbestos can be found in veins in serpentine rocks.

Microscopic asbestos fibers can’t be smelled, tasted, or seen. If the material is not clearly marked asbestos, it is impossible to detect it.

Sometimes, asbestos-containing materials must be removed. It may be better to either leave the materials alone or seal them with a sealant. For the best advice, consult a certified asbestos professional.

Handling Asbestos – Safe Asbestos Removal

Asbestos in the Home

Have your house tested for asbestos if you intend to renovate, remodel, or repair your home.  Your family should not inhale asbestos-containing fibers if they are not damaged or disturbed.  If the asbestos is damaged or has been compromised, it may be necessary to hire professionals.  There are only a few asbestos removal companies.  The all must be trained in asbestos abatement.

Sometimes, it is difficult to find water damage or deteriorating insulation when retrieving items stored in an attic or basement.

Water damage or years of deterioration could cause asbestos fibers in your home to become exposed. If you move boxes or other items around the house, the asbestos fibers might be airborne, and you may inhale or swallow these particles.

If the material is not labeled, you can’t tell if it contains asbestos by simply looking at it. If you are unsure, either treat the material as though it contains asbestos, or have it sampled by a professional. Because a professional can identify the potential health risks and know what to look out for, it is important that samples are taken for analysis by a professional. Sample collection can prove more dangerous than just leaving the material alone if it is done wrong. 

It is not recommended to take samples by yourself. However, if you do decide to collect the samples yourself be careful not to inhale asbestos fibers. You should only take samples of material that is in good shape and won’t be altered (for example, by remodeling). Samples should only be taken from material that has been damaged or is likely to be disturbed. Before sampling asbestos-containing materials, anyone who does so should be able to provide as much information as possible about the handling of asbestos.

Do nothing if the asbestos material is not in bad shape. There are two options for correcting a problem with asbestos material: repair or removal.  Asbestos abatement consists of the following:

Asbestos Encapsulation (or sealing) refers to treating the material with a sealant. This sealant either binds the fibers together or covers the material so that they are not exposed. This is possible for boiler, furnace and pipe insulation. Only a qualified professional should perform this type of asbestos encapsulation repair.

Asbestos Enclosure (covering) refers to covering or wrapping something around asbestos-containing material in order to prevent the release of fibers. Protective wraps or jackets can be used to cover exposed insulated pipes.

The asbestos will remain in place regardless of the type of repair. While repairs are usually less expensive than removal, they can make it more costly and time-consuming to remove asbestos later. You can repair a lot or a little bit.

Professionals should also handle minor repairs, as there is always the risk of fibers being exposed if asbestos is disturbed.

It is not recommended to do minor repairs by yourself, as improper handling of asbestos materials could create a danger where none exists. However, minor repairs should be done by someone who is familiar with the proper handling of asbestos materials. For information on asbestos training programs in your region, contact your state’s or regional EPA offices. Local school districts may have information on asbestos professionals and programs for school buildings. You should not attempt any major repairs, even if you have successfully completed a training program. To ensure stability, you should inspect the area surrounding the damage before making any minor repairs. It is important to note that any damage larger than your hand is not considered minor.

Removal

This is usually the most costly option and should not be considered unless there are local or state regulations.

Removal poses the greatest risk for fiber release. If you are remodeling your home or making changes that could disturb asbestos material, it may be necessary to have it removed. If asbestos material has been severely damaged and cannot be repaired, it may be necessary to have it removed. The removal of asbestos is complicated and should only be undertaken by someone who has special training. Incorrect removal can increase your health risk and the danger to your family.

Asbestos professionals have been trained to handle asbestos material. The type of product and the specific problem will determine the type of professional you need. A general contractor may be hired, or a specialist trained to deal with specific products containing asbestos.

Asbestos experts can perform home inspections and take samples of suspected material. They will then assess the condition and make recommendations about how to correct it. Material in good condition does not need to be sampled unless it is most likely to be disturbed. Asbestos materials can be removed or corrected by professional contractors.

Professionals can dispose of asbestos-carcinogenic materials safely after they have been removed.

After asbestos removal, professionals transport the materials to a landfill that is licensed to accept the waste. There are different ways to dispose of asbestos waste in different states and regions.

Individuals who attempt to remove asbestos from their homes without consulting a professional contractor could face serious consequences. Illegally dumping asbestos could result in a fine or a penalty. Asbestos dumping has led to large fines and imprisonment.

Companies that do not follow laws and procedures can face penalties for asbestos abatement. Inadequate abatement can lead to occupational exposure and expose the public.

The federal and state regulations govern how asbestos in homes, schools, and other buildings should handled. These laws are intended to protect the public from asbestos exposure.

Some rules apply only to specific types of buildings and locations. Others serve a general purpose to protect people from excessive exposure.

Homeowners should do their research before proceeding with asbestos removal. Multiple bids should be received from different abatement companies. Contractors should prepare a work plan. The plan should outline the methods that will be used to clean up and remove the debris.

To ensure that the job is done properly, asbestos removal plans must comply with all federal and state regulations. Contractors must also be able provide references from customers and proof of worker certifications.

Owners should contact an asbestos professional before any demolition or renovation of an older building. Asbestos can be safely handled and removed to prevent exposure. Proper disposal is possible.