Asbestos is one of the most dangerous materials which though offers a lot of features. Still, its aftermath is harmful, so much so that many nations have curbed the use of this material, and so in this blog, we will be explored more details about asbestos and its removal. Before we dive into the details of asbestos removal, we need to know what is asbestos and why much importance is laid on its removal process.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral. It is found in the form of thin and long fibrous crystals. During abrasion or any other processes, these thin fibres get released into the atmosphere. For many years asbestos was being used in the construction industry as a building material because of its electrical insulation and heat-resistant properties. However, over time, various health hazards due to asbestos dust came up on the surface, and its usage was prohibited in construction and fireproofing industries.
Why It’s Safe Handling Important?
The qualities that make this mineral useful are responsible for its toxicity also. As fibres of this mineral are very thin, when asbestos dust is inhaled, its fibres can permanently lodge in the human body. When these fibres start to accumulate over time, they cause inflammation, scars and sometimes genetic damage also and the worst part is there is no known way yet that can reverse its adverse effects. It eventually leads to cancer and severe forms of lung disease.
Thus, it is very important to safely handle asbestos and asbestos removal to prevent exposure to this toxic material. If not handled properly, the outcomes can be dangerous.
What Common Materials May Require Asbestos Removal?
As mentioned above, asbestos was in use for a quite long time till the 1970s. It was mainly used in building materials, automotive components and some consumer products also. If your building was constructed before 1980, it might still contain asbestos. You might not be aware of it as its fibres are not visible to naked eyes.
That’s why a common man needs to be aware of what materials might contain asbestos so that they can carry out the asbestos removal process accordingly.
Few examples of materials that contain asbestos are:
Ceiling tiles
Concrete
Plasters
Roof Shingles
Vinyl Floor Tiles
Cement Sheets
Electrical Breakers
Older building structures
Demolition sites
If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your premises or surroundings, then you should contact a professional asbestos removal company to collect and dispose of it safely.
Process Of Asbestos Removal
If a homeowner suspects any specific material containing asbestos, they should treat it as hazardous and immediately contact the asbestos removal service provider. Inspector will then inspect the material visually for any dangerous risk and then remove a piece out of it to send for further tests to detect the percentage of asbestos content in it.
If the sample contains asbestos, then its removal process is carried out by the certified professionalism. The professionals will first determine the condition of material and then suggest either encapsulation or complete removal.
In encapsulation, the asbestos-containing material is covered with a sealant that prevents the spread of its fibres in the surrounding atmosphere.
However, if the condition worsens, then the asbestos removal process is carried out in the following steps.
All HVAC units are turned off, and vents are sealed off to prevent the circulation of asbestos fibres.
The work area is sealed with plastic sheets.
Wet clean-up tools and vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters are used to clean the site.
After removing dangerous materials from the site, they are placed in tight containers with clear markings.
Lastly, the professionals carry this carcinogenic material away from residential areas and dispose of it safely as per the state rules and regulations.
Conclusion
So, this was all regarding asbestos removal process. We hope this article has helped readers answer their so many queries regarding asbestos and its removal process. If you find this article informative, kindly share it with others and spread awareness among common men.
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