Where is Asbestos Found?
In many instances, building owners may not even be aware of asbestos within the structure. Other times, the asbestos is known but has been left undisturbed for a number of years. Asbestos is often found in roofing and within wall structures because the material was commonly used to strengthen construction material. It was commonly mixed in with plaster, drywall mud, or sprayed in as insultation. Structures built prior to 1990 tend to be at a higher risk of having asbestos hiding behind walls or above ceiling tiles.
Why is Asbestos Removal Dangerous?
If it’s not dangerous when left alone, what makes it so dangerous to disturb? A major risk with asbestos is its ability to contaminate surrounding materials once it is disturbed and airborne. Asbestos is a hazardous substance, and exposure to it can have critical health impacts on anyone who is not properly prepared for handling it. Hypertension, shortness of breath, and swelling in the neck and head are only a few short-term side effects of asbestos exposure. In the long-term, those exposed to the substance can develop serious health conditions, including asbestosis, pleural disease, and lung cancer.
How is Asbestos Removed
Asbestos removal should always be handled by trained professionals. Improper handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos can lead to increased contamination and health risks. The first step of the asbestos removal process will include a HAZMAT survey, during which stage the building will be inspected and samples will be collected for testing. Once a risk assessment is completed, a company certified in asbestos removal will be contracted to safely carry out the removal and disposal of all asbestos and contaminated materials on site. Trained professionals ( https://info.alliance-enviro.com/blog ) will come ready with certifications, the proper tools, and safety measures to limit exposure to asbestos and reduce airborne contamination. All collected asbestos is then sealed off and taken to a special asbestos disposal facility – this isn’t a substance that can simply be thrown in the garbage bin on site.
Carrying out a Safe Demolition
While dealing with asbestos may slow down the demolition process, it is vital all safety measures are taken to ensure proper asbestos removal is carried out. Moving forward with a demolition schedule without proper asbestos removal can put workers on site at risk and can further contaminate any materials the hazardous substance comes into contact with. Asbestos removal ( alliance-enviro.com/services/environmental/asbestos-removal ), whether for a demolition or a renovation, should always be conducted by certified, trained professionals.