In many cases, the phrase ‘what’s old is new again’ holds true. Classic cars, beautifully restored buildings, and collectors’ items all seem to have more substance than their newer counterparts. But when it comes to asbestos, this is not so much the case. Widely used in commercial and residential buildings for decades in the mid-twentieth century, asbestos containing materials can be harmful to the health of those using the building, especially in terms of their lung and respiratory health. So, why not simply remove it? Turns out, asbestos removal is not so simple.
The ‘what and where’ of asbestos
Asbestos presence in a building is typically characterized by matted fibres that tend to crumble as they deteriorate or are disturbed. While it’s no longer commonly used, buildings constructed prior to the 1990s have a higher likelihood for asbestos presence. Even today, asbestos remains unbanned in the U.S. despite the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) formally recognizing its health hazards and pushing for bans as far back as the 1970s. Places where asbestos containing materials are more commonly found include it being wrapped around old hot water pipes and boilers, connectors for heating ducts, within cement, flooring, and ceiling materials. Areas of special concern include walls being exposed or removed, attics, and within various home products, all of which can be taken in by the HVAC system and distributed throughout the building’s interior air spaces. The risk potential in a building’s asbestos presence is especially evident when the asbestos containing materials are disturbed, tattered, or crumbling. In these cases, the likelihood of the asbestos being released into the air, especially during the asbestos removal process, are greatly intensified.
The dangers in asbestos
Especially when asbestos is older and deteriorating, its fibers can be released into the air and cause a variety of health issues when inhaled. Should large amounts of asbestos fibres be breathed in, they become lodged and stuck in the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring. Over time, regular exposure to these higher levels of airborne asbestos increases a person’s risk of permanent damage from the scarring within the lungs, formally called asbestosis. Also increasingly common are lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer that lines the body’s cavity. Key factors in asbestosis’ harmful effects are a person’s health situation including any pre-existing respiratory issues or if they smoke, the levels of asbestos present in the building’s indoor air, how often or long the person is exposed, and the type, size, and shape of the asbestos fibers. The frightening part of this equation is that it often takes 15-to-30 years for the impacts to be identified after the exposure. That’s why it’s so important to be proactive and have a trusted professional execute any needed asbestos removal project sooner than later.
Asbestos removal: best left to the pros
Because asbestos is most dangerous when its fibres become airborne, removing it is one of the riskiest times for exposure. This also includes when a building is undergoing construction, repairs, or renovations. During these times when asbestos is likely to be disturbed, proper safety measures and procedures must be followed to ensure the health and wellness of everyone using the space, including construction and trades professionals. A trusted professional asbestos removal service provider ensures all technicians are up to speed with the latest state-wide and national certifications needed to safely and properly remove asbestos, including OSHA, EPA, Department of Transportation, and county-specific air quality district rules and regulations.
First, these technicians can use their expert eye to thoroughly assess the building’s asbestos presence, including checking hot water pipes, all air ducts, and the materials used throughout the building. Their experience and expertise also mean they can determine the difference between asbestos and non-threatening materials like fibreglass used for insulation purposes. With this thorough inspection, the professional service company can provide a reliable estimate around the scope, timeline, and pricing for the asbestos removal and clean up project. Professional technicians show up to complete the job with the proper personal protective equipment, tools, products, techniques, and expertise to safely and properly remove the asbestos. They’ll also execute a comprehensive clean-up and safely dispose of all materials according to local regulatory rules.
Always select professionals when it comes to asbestos removal, and never attempt this type of cleanup on your own.
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