Tips for Hiring an Asbestos Abatement Company.
The use of asbestos was much more common prior to the 1980s, when it was a primary component in various building applications. Often referred to as the “miracle mineral,” it became popular because of its resistance to heat and fire, which made it an ideal material for drywall, insulation, roofing, décor, sound-dampening, and more.
Although asbestos is a natural mineral, it can cause major health issues when the particles are released into the air that we breathe. The raw fibers, if ingested, can lead to mesothelioma cancer, which affects thousands of people annually in the U. S. Statistics indicate that 10,000 people die each year due to complications caused by asbestos.
Overall, as long as asbestos materials are left alone, it’s very unlikely the carcinogenic fibers will become airborne, which escalates risk of exposure phenomenally.
Why You Should Hire an Asbestos Abatement Company
It’s important to realize the smallest disturbance could send the asbestos fibers into the air, and while it may look like harmless dust, the threat is real. These fibers are so miniscule that the naked eye cannot detect them and standard facial masks do not block them. A single asbestos fiber is .01 microns thick, or to put this into perspective, it would take 18,000 fibers to equal the thickness of one strand of hair.
Asbestos specialists have the proper equipment and are trained to take all the necessary precautions in handling and removing the material safely.
Hiring an Abatement Services Team
Asbestos abatement services vary, depending on how and where it was used. For example, removal of asbestos insulation materials is considered Class I abatement. On the other hand, if asbestos is present in structural surfaces including flooring, roofing, siding, and drywall, Class II or III abatement services would be necessary.
A quality certified and licensed asbestos abatement company will be equipped with a team of knowledgeable, trained professionals. These employees follow specific safety protocols before, during, and after handling asbestos materials.
The safe removal of asbestos is fairly complex. The steps include barricading the work area with plastic sheeting, sealing it with duct tape, disabling HVAC systems, and removing all non-permanent items such as furniture. Equipment used during the process includes HEPA vacuums, wet wipes, and leak-proof containers to ensure all asbestos waste is properly removed and disposed of. The workers protect themselves by wearing protective clothing, boots, gloves, goggles, and respirators. There is also a precise decontamination process that must be followed, prior to entering a public area.
Ask the Experts
If you have questions regarding asbestos abatement services, or need to determine whether or not asbestos is present in your home or business, contact Albany Asbestos. Albany Asbestos Company is dedicated to helping keep you and your family safe. A family owned business, our team is trained, certified and ready to serve.
Asbestos testing and inspection are performed through our sister company Albany Asbestos, LLC.
To schedule a Asbestos testing, sampling and inspection call our Team: (518) 964-2081!
The Author Kevin Maxwell is the owner and operator of Maxwell Home Inspection Services, LLC. Kevin Maxwell is a certified Home Inspector located in Albany NY that has performed over 6000 Inspections.
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