If your home was constructed prior to the 1980s, then as per experts at P&D Envirotech, there is a good chance it contains asbestos materials. While asbestos may not pose a risk if left undisturbed, any renovation or disturbance can release toxic fibers into the air. This makes professional residential asbestos removal extremely important to protect your family’s health and safety.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the health hazards posed by asbestos exposure, where it’s commonly found in homes, the stringent protocols involved in its safe removal, and why adhering to all asbestos abatement regulations is so critical when disturbing potentially asbestos-containing building materials.
What is Asbestos and Why is it Harmful?
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals. Due to its durability and fire resistance, asbestos was heavily used in building insulation, roofing, and other materials from the 1940s through the 1980s.
The microscopic asbestos fibers easily become airborne when building materials degrade or are disturbed. When inhaled, the sharp fibers lodge in lung tissues, causing cell damage that can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other serious illnesses. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure.
Where is Asbestos Commonly Found in Homes?
While banned in new construction since 1989, asbestos is still present in many older home materials:
- Insulation on pipes, boilers, ducts
- Ceiling and floor tiles
- Roof shingles, siding, felts
- Joint compound and patching materials
- Caulking, adhesives
- Wall, ceiling and attic insulation
- Textured paints and plasters
- Boiler and furnace insulation
Essentially any building material installed before 1990 could contain asbestos and needs proper handling.
Dangers of DIY Asbestos Removal
With such a serious health hazard involved, asbestos abatement must be performed under strict guidelines by licensed professionals. DIY or unlicensed contractors often utilize unsafe practices that disturb asbestos in ways that release fibers into the home.
The dangers posed by DIY asbestos removal include:
- Fibers released into air of occupied homes
- Exposure risk to homeowners and family
- Fibers spread to other areas of home
- Pieces becoming airborne if cut dry
- Lack of proper containment
- Failure to dispose of waste properly
Only pros have the specialized tools, protective equipment and containment protocols to prevent exposures. Homeowners who take an unsafe DIY approach put their entire household at risk.
Importance of Professional Asbestos Removal
Professional asbestos removal teams:
- Isolate work areas with plastic barriers to seal in fibers
- Wear specialized hazmat suits with respirators to protect themselves
- Wet materials thoroughly before disturbing to keep fibers down
- Use HEPA vacuums, negative air pressure, and air monitoring to keep air clean
- Seal and label removed asbestos properly for hazardous waste disposal
Strict adherence to all safety regulations is critical. Only licensed asbestos pros have the proper training, tools and expertise to prevent exposure.
Choosing an Experienced, Licensed Asbestos Abatement Company
When hiring any contractor who will disturb asbestos, be sure to:
- Verify state licensing for asbestos abatement
- Confirm liability insurance and workers comp
- Check membership in industry trade groups
- Review online reputation and complaints
- Ask for local references to confirm quality
- Require fit testing and medical monitoring for workers
- Confirm thorough site containment plans
Asbestos removal is complex and dangerous work. Never cut corners or base selection solely on the lowest price. An experienced local firm familiar with all regulations helps ensure a zero-exposure job.
Conclusion
When it comes to managing the very real health risks posed by asbestos in older homes, abandoning DIY attempts and hiring certified professional abatement specialists is critically important. Don’t play games with this known carcinogen, get the experts in.