What You Must Know About Asbestos Removal

Asbestos is a mineral found in building supplies such as insulation, roofing, floor tiles, acoustic ceilings, ceiling tiles, and thousands of other materials. Up until the 1970s asbestos products were commonly used in both residential and commercial construction. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral with great tensile strength, high resistance to heat, and exceptional insulating qualities, making it a very popular product for building materials. As long as the products which contain asbestos remain in good condition, they are not usually dangerous and asbestos removal is not necessary. However, as the condition of these products deteriorates, it becomes more likely that the tiny microscopic asbestos fibers will be released into the air.

Once asbestos fibers become airborne they can be breathed into the lungs by unsuspecting people. Asbestos exposure has been shown to cause several lung diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, which has no known cure. Whenever there is a threat of asbestos fibers becoming airborne, asbestos removal becomes immediately necessary. Asbestos abatement is important to prevent these deadly fibers from being released into the environment where they can be inhaled. Improper removal of asbestos-containing products is extremely dangerous, which is why it is a heavily regulated substance.

Asbestos removal is usually performed by trained experts, but is sometimes done by homeowners for the purpose of saving money. However, the job of removing asbestos should not be taken lightly because not following strict safety rules can result in serious and irreversible health problems. Professional asbestos abatement companies understand the risk and know how to properly inspect and remove the offending products. They use specialized protective clothing and equipment that allow them to be safe during the removal process.

If the presence of this contaminant is suspected in a home or other building, samples should be collected and then tested in a laboratory. Microscopic examination of these products is the only sure way to determine if they are dangerous. Once the presence of asbestos is confirmed you have two choices. If the products are still in good condition, they can usually be left undisturbed without any danger. However, if the products are not in good condition, and there is a possibility that fibers could be released, it becomes immediately necessary to hire a company to perform asbestos removal and disposal.

An experienced asbestos removal contractor will first seal the area with plastic to make sure any asbestos remains contained and does not escape the sealed area. They will wear protective clothing, gloves, and boots, as well as respirators and goggles. Asbestos must always be wet before the removal process is begun because dry asbestos fibers can become airborne. As the products are scraped or removed they are placed into special bags that can be safely transported to a disposal site.

The job of asbestos removal can be dangerous if not performed in accordance with the laws and regulations set forth by the government. Before doing the job yourself, it is important to read, understand, and follow all regulations and safety procedures. If your goal is to save money, be sure to get estimates from more than one licensed and certified hazardous material contractor, and then compare their prices to the cost of doing the job yourself. It may surprise you, but doing the job yourself can sometimes be more expensive than hiring a professional. Removing asbestos is a hard, dirty, and dangerous job and should usually be left to licensed professionals.

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