Why You Should Hire An Expert Asbestos Abatement Company
When it comes to removing asbestos from residential or commercial establishments, working with a professional asbestos abatement company is the best thing you can do. Asbestos removal companies take time to test for asbestos materials. They also adhere to strict guidelines and processes during asbestos removal.
Professional asbestos abatement companies also have the right equipment to protect you and them from asbestos exposure. DIY removal or improper asbestos handling can lead to asbestos exposure. People exposed to asbestos materials could develop mesothelioma and other health issues associated with asbestos.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a type of mineral fibre. An accurate identification of the substance is only possible with special equipment. There are various types of asbestos fibres. Historically, asbestos used to be added to various products to make them sturdy and offer insulation and fire resistance.
What Are The Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Studies of people exposed to asbestos, mainly in factories and shipyards, show that inhaling high levels of asbestos fibres may increase the risk of asbestos-related diseases.
Exposure to asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest lining and abdominal cavity. It can also cause asbestosis, a condition characterized by the scarring of the lungs with fibrous tissue. The risk of mesothelioma and asbestosis increases with the magnitude of fibres inhaled.
Ingesting or inhaling asbestos can lead to additional health issues. Other than cancer, mesothelioma cancer and asbestosis, you could also suffer pleural plaques. Every year around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the U.S. Around 10,000 people die every year from asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos fibres are microscopic, usually .01 microns thick, which is 18,000 times thinner than the human hair.
Smokers have an increased risk of cancer resulting from inhaling asbestos fibres. People who suffer from asbestosis are usually exposed to elevated levels of asbestos over long periods. Symptoms of these diseases usually do not appear until around 20 to 30 years after the initial asbestos exposure.
We are all exposed to small amounts of asbestos in our daily lives, but most people do not develop these health issues. However, when the asbestos material breaks down, asbestos fibres are released and can be inhaled into your lungs. These fibres can remain in the lungs for a long time, elevating the risk of lung cancer.
Asbestos materials crumble easily when touched and are more likely to pose a health risk if they are scraped, sawed, or ground into a powder.
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The Common Asbestos Containing Materials
Where can I find asbestos? When can it become a problem? Most products manufactured today do not contain asbestos. The small percentage of manufactured products that still contain inhalable asbestos must be labelled as such. ‘
Until the 1970s, asbestos was present in many types of construction and insulation products used in homes, mainly due to its fire-resistance properties.
Common products that have historically contained asbestos and are under conditions that can cause fibre release include:
- Steam pipes
- Furnace channels insulated with asbestos blankets, duct tape, or asbestos paper tape
- Boilers
These materials can release asbestos fibres, especially if damaged, repaired, or improperly removed. Other asbestos-containing materials are:
- Certain types of floor tiles – Vinyl asbestos, rubber, and asphalt. Vinyl floor backings, duct tape and adhesives that are used to install floor tiles. Sanding the floor tiles can cause the asbestos fibres to come loose. Asbestos can also be released through sanding or scraping of sheet flooring when removing it.
- Cement sheets, paper and millboard for insulating furnaces or wood-burning stoves – Removing or repairing equipment can release asbestos fibers. This also applies to cutting, tearing, grinding, drilling, or sawing insulation.
- Door gaskets for wood stoves, coal stoves, and furnaces – As the seals wear out, asbestos fibres can be released during use.
- Sound-absorbing or decorative material sprayed onto walls or ceiling tiles – Loose, brittle, or water-damaged materials can cause fibres to separate. The same applies to grinding, drilling, or scraping the materials.
- Patching and joint compound for wall, ceiling tiles, and structural coatings – Grinding, scraping, or drilling these surfaces can release asbestos.
- Building materials like asbestos cement, roof shingles, siding shingles, and asbestos cement pipe – These building materials are unlikely to release asbestos fibres unless they are cut or sawed.
- Artificial ash and embers that are sold to be used in gas-burning fireplaces.
- Other asbestos-containing materials include old household items such as ironing board covers, stove-top pads, fireproof gloves, and certain hair dryers.
- Vehicle brake pads, clutch facings, brake linings, and gaskets.
What To Do If You Suspect Asbestos Contamination
When you suspect asbestos exposure, the first crucial step is to ensure that you don’t touch the asbestos-containing materials. You should let an asbestos abatement company handle asbestos removal for you. Here is what you should do:
- Ensure that children do not access the asbestos products
- Limit activities in the area with asbestos-containing waste
- Contact a licensed asbestos removal company
Here is what you shouldn’t do:
- Don’t sweep, dust, or vacuum possible asbestos debris
- Don’t remove suspicious materials
Tips for Choosing An Asbestos Abatement Company
When choosing an asbestos abatement company, you will have many options. However, asbestos removal companies are not the same. While some companies solely focus on asbestos abatement, others offer general contracting services that include asbestos abatement.
Asbestos abatement regulations vary from region to region; they include state and federal regulations. Ensure that you only work with licensed occupational abatement companies. The licenses to look for include:
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Even if working with a licensed asbestos removal company is not mandatory, you are better off with one. Verify the abatement company’s qualifications to ensure that it suits your needs.
The Cost Of Asbestos Abatement
Asbestos abatement is a costly procedure, mainly because of the asbestos regulations that govern the process. Many federal and state laws govern asbestos abatement. The removal experts must wear protective clothing when handling hazardous waste.
Many factors determine the cost of asbestos removal. The cost can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.
Contact Us For Reliable Asbestos Removal in Toronto
Now that you understand the intricacies of asbestos and its health hazards, you know the importance of working with a professional asbestos abatement company. Contact 360 Demolition & Environmental Services for safe and effective asbestos removal services.
We will perform a visual inspection and asbestos testing before commencing the asbestos work. Our qualified professional will also ensure that all the asbestos found is properly disposed of. When you hire professionals, you are assured of building owners’ and workers’ safety. You and your loved ones will be way safer when our asbestos abatement experts eliminate asbestos hazards.
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