Asbestos Abatement

How can I tell if I have Asbestos in my home?

Although the use of asbestos in the United States was halted in the late 1970s, with just a few exceptions, this toxic mineral has continued to have an impact on the country during the last few decades. The lives of many individuals have been adversely affected by previous asbestos exposure and this mineral can still be found throughout the country, particularly in old homes, factories, and commercial buildings.

Many American buildings constructed before 1980 contain asbestos, and asbestos-containing materials come in many forms. Construction materials containing asbestos were used for centuries before researchers began to link the mineral’s fibers with serious health risks, like asbestosis and mesothelioma.

If you live or work in a building built before 1980, chances are that asbestos can be found in some part of the building, whether in the roof shingles, the insulation, an old furnace, or elsewhere.

Products today can be made with asbestos as long as it accounts for less than 1 percent of the product. Current products include brake pads, automobile clutches, roofing materials, vinyl tile, cement piping, corrugated sheeting, home insulation and some potting soils.

How is Asbestos Removed?

There are two ways to safely deal with Asbestos. The first is ‘abatement’ – which means complete removal of the materials containing Asbestos. The second method is ‘Encapsulation’ – fully covering and sealing off Asbestos materials.

A certified asbestos inspector will perform a visual inspection of the home, and take several samples of any suspected materials to be tested.

An asbestos inspector can make recommendations for how to correct the situation or prevent damage to any so far undisturbed asbestos. Asbestos is only a problem once it is disturbed – during renovations, when damages occur to a home etc… The inspector will make the decision to If abatement or encapsulation are necessary.

Before any work actually begins, you will receive a written contract that details the removal plans, including cleanup and will also include an explanation of all the federal, state and local regulations we must abide by.

As the removal or encapsulation starts, the site will be clearly marked as a hazardous area. The area will then be completely sealed off from the rest of the house with plastic sheets. No household occupants, including pets, will be allowed in or around the area. The HVAC system will be shut off to avoid any fibers from potentially spreading to other rooms.

When Asbestos breaks, fibers are released into the air. For this reason, Workers should never break any removed materials into smaller pieces for easier cleanup. All asbestos materials should actually be wet down during removal and cleanup, as that keeps any loose fibers from spreading or becoming airborne.

The worksite itself should always remain clean and free of any visible debris. For cleanup, all asbestos-containing materials must be properly sealed and labeled in heavy-duty plastic bags, as well as any clothing the workers wear and any equipment used. This prevents contamination of other areas of the

house. The area should be thoroughly cleaned with wet mops and rags and only HEPA vacuums, as regular vacuums could spread any lingering asbestos dust.

Upon completion, you should receive another written record that explains the work that was done and that proper procedures were followed.

The U.S. Office of Compliance, charged with “advancing safety, health, and workplace rights”, as well as several other organizations concerned with asbestos and the dangers of exposure, report the following with regards to asbestos:

• Asbestos Refers to a group of fibrous, heat-resistant minerals
• Asbestos was once a common ingredient in American construction materials
• Asbestos can still be found in a myriad of homes, schools, industrial and commercial buildings.
• Asbestos was once used in more than 3,000 consumer products, including common household items such as toasters and hair dryers, some of which may still be in use.
• Its peak use occurred from 1930 – 1970
• Microscopic fibers can become trapped in the body, causing disease over time
• Asbestos is a “known human carcinogen,” having been linked with Asbestos Cancer
• US Navy veterans who served during World War II and the Korean Conflict have the highest incidence of these diseases.
• The longer an individual is exposed to Asbestos, the more likely an individual is to develop mesothelioma cancer or another asbestos disease
• 10,000 Americans will die this year from Asbestos-related Diseases.
• 200,000 people are currently living with asbestosis.
• Asbestos is still mined in several countries throughout the world, including Canada, and is exported to many industrialized and developing countries.

(IF PRODUCED BEFORE 1980 – VIEW A COMPREHENSIVE LIST HERE – HTTPS://INSPECTAPEDIA.COM/HAZMAT/ASBESTOS_PRODUCTS.PHP)