Renovating your home can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. However, if your house was built before the 1980s, there's a significant risk you might encounter asbestos, a hazardous material known for its fire-resistant properties and durability. Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health issues, making it crucial to handle it safely. Hathaway Environmental LLC, located in Solon, OH, is here to guide you through understanding asbestos risks and implementing essential safety measures.

Exposure to mold can lead to a variety of health problems, varying in intensity. Some common signs of being exposed to mold are:

Asbestos is a family of minerals that exist naturally in the environment. These minerals are unique because they are made up of very thin, hair-like fibers. Historically, it was praised for its versatility, heat resistance, and strength. Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials, including insulation, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, roofing shingles, and cement products. Asbestos may be useful, but breathing in its tiny fibers when they float in the air is very dangerous.



In homes built before the 1980s, asbestos can be found in various areas, such as:

• Insulation around pipes and ducts
• Attic and wall insulation
• Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring
• Roof shingles and siding
• Popcorn ceilings
• Adhesives and joint compounds used in drywall installation
  

Asbestos fibers are microscopic and easily inhaled, leading to long-term health issues. The primary diseases caused by asbestos exposure are asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

• Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease resulting from prolonged exposure to asbestos. It causes lung tissue scarring, leading to breathing difficulties and reduced oxygen absorption.
• Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, especially among smokers. Warning signs can include a constant cough, discomfort or pain when you breathe, and a noticeable loss of weight.
• Mesothelioma: This rare and fast-growing cancer targets the membranes surrounding your lungs, abdomen, or heart. It has a long latency period, often appearing decades after exposure.

The severity of these diseases underscores the importance of handling asbestos with utmost care during renovations.

Renovating a home with asbestos requires meticulous planning and safety measures to prevent exposure. Here are crucial steps to consider:

1. Professional Asbestos Inspection: Before starting any renovation project, hire a certified asbestos inspector to assess your home. They will identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and evaluate their condition.
2. Hiring Licensed Asbestos Abatement Professionals: Asbestos removal is not a DIY task. Hire licensed asbestos abatement professionals like Hathaway Environmental LLC to safely remove and dispose of ACMs. Our trained team follows strict regulations and uses specialized equipment to ensure safe handling and disposal.
3. Containing the Work Area: During renovations, the work area must be sealed off to prevent asbestos fibers from spreading. This involves using plastic sheeting, negative air pressure systems, and HEPA filters to contain and filter the air.
4. Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Workers involved in asbestos removal should wear appropriate PPE, including respirators, disposable coveralls, gloves, and eye protection. This prevents inhalation and contamination.
5. Proper Disposal of Asbestos Waste: Asbestos waste must be handled and disposed of according to local regulations. It is sealed in leak-proof containers and labeled as hazardous waste. Disposal is done at authorized facilities to ensure safety.
   

Once the renovation is complete, ensuring your home is safe from asbestos contamination is crucial. Here are steps to follow:

1. Final Inspection and Air Monitoring: A final inspection and air quality testing should be conducted to ensure no asbestos fibers remain in the environment. Certified professionals use specialized equipment to measure asbestos levels in the air.
2. Cleaning and Decontamination: The renovated area should be thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated. HEPA vacuums and wet wiping methods are used to remove any residual asbestos fibers.
3. Regular Maintenance and Monitoring: Continue to monitor your home for any signs of asbestos-containing materials deteriorating over time. Regular maintenance and inspections help prevent future exposure.
4. Educating Household Members: Educate your family members about asbestos risks and safety measures. This awareness helps in preventing accidental disturbance of asbestos-containing materials.
   

At Hathaway Environmental LLC, we understand the complexities and risks associated with asbestos removal. Our team of licensed professionals is committed to providing safe, efficient, and thorough asbestos abatement services in Solon, OH. Here’s why you should choose us:

• Expertise and Experience: With years of experience in asbestos removal, our certified technicians have the knowledge and skills to handle any asbestos-related issue.
• Compliance with Regulations: We adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations, ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance.
• Advanced Equipment and Techniques: We use state-of-the-art equipment and industry-approved techniques to ensure effective asbestos removal and disposal.
• Customer Satisfaction: Our priority is your safety and satisfaction. We provide transparent communication, detailed assessments, and personalized solutions to meet your needs.
• Comprehensive Services: In addition to asbestos removal, we offer mold remediation, indoor air quality testing, and environmental consulting services to ensure a healthy home environment.