WHAT IS ASBESTOS?
The naturally occurring material asbestos is composed of incredibly durable and heat-resistant fibers. These factors made asbestos a particularly popular option for fire-resistant insulation. It was also frequently utilized in construction materials including roofing shingles, floor tiles, and ceiling panels. Both residential and commercial settings frequently experienced asbestos exposure as a result of the extensive usage of asbestos in building materials. Following the discovery of asbestos’s hazards, its use was drastically reduced.
IS ASBESTOS STILL USED?
The short answer: yes.
The elaborate response: it varies! Asbestos use in some building materials and manufacturing processes is still subject to strict EPA regulations. To put it simply, no new uses of asbestos are permitted if they would result in frequent human exposure. Production of goods including apparel, manufactured goods, insulation, asbestos roofing tiles, and other building supplies is banned while the EPA conducts a study. New product usage may be completely prohibited by the EPA, or they may impose any required usage limits. Usage of asbestos that is deemed acceptable is decided on an individual basis.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A BUILDING HAS ASBESTOS?
The only method to find out if a building has asbestos is to send samples for testing and have it professionally assessed. Exposure to asbestos in home settings can occur when construction materials are destroyed, as can happen during renovations or construction projects. Elite Restoration strongly advises against homeowners attempting to gather their own samples for analysis because of this. Our qualified asbestos removal and abatement experts can gather sample material for testing in a timely and secure manner. For asbestos testing services, get in touch with the Elite Restoration team if you need assistance.In Indiana, Elite Restoration provides asbestos testing services.
COMMON SIGNS OF ASBESTOS
The common indicators that a building may contain asbestos are listed below. This isn’t a comprehensive list. Please get in touch with qualified asbestos testing specialists if you have any concerns about possible asbestos in your house or building.
The structure was constructed before to the early 1980s.
The structure was fitted with vinyl flooring or millboard between 1952 and 1982.
The roof of the structure is corrugated.
There is vermiculite insulation throughout the building.
The structure’s walls are composed of cement sheets.
WHY IS ASBESTOS DANGEROUS?
One substance that is known to cause cancer is asbestos. In general, frequent long-term exposure to airborne fibers is what poses the risk of asbestos. A few instances of this would be years spent working with asbestos in manufacturing or construction. There isn’t a set “safe threshold” for asbestos exposure, though. Frequent, intense, brief asbestos exposures can also be harmful.
IS IT SAFE TO LEAVE ASBESTOS IN A BUILDING?
As long as they are unbroken, building materials containing asbestos are generally safe. The risk arises when these materials start to deteriorate with age or are harmed while doing house repair tasks. Some frequent ways that people could unintentionally come into contact with outdated asbestos in homes or other buildings are as follows:
Cutting through insulation to access pipes:
Scraping up old vinyl tiles:
Drilling into cement or plaster walls:
Damaged or crumbling walls:
Even while walls made of cement and plaster are usually strong, they can eventually chip if they are subjected to extreme weather or other environmental conditions. It is possible for loose asbestos fibers to be emitted if these walls start to collapse or flake.
HOW DO I GET RID OF ASBESTOS IN A HOME OR OFFICE?
The quick answer is that you must work with qualified asbestos removal contractors.
The long answer is that there is a risk of asbestos exposure. As of right now, no minimum safe exposure threshold has been established. Asbestos fibers are incredibly small and very fine. It is simple to breathe in these fibers if you are not wearing the proper safety gear. Furthermore, it’s not simply the demolition procedure that poses a risk. Following the removal of asbestos-containing materials, buildings must be thoroughly cleaned. The tiny, fine strands can become embedded in ducting, carpets, and other areas of a house. Then, frequent foot activity or HVAC use may cause the fibers to be released into the air, exposing residents to them on a daily basis. Experts in asbestos removal adhere to stringent protocols before to, during, and following asbestos removal work to ensure that the materials
Find Asbestos Removal Services
Our group of IIRC-certified technicians is available to assist you. In Indiana, Elite Restoration provides asbestos testing and removal services in your neighborhood: