The Risks of Asbestos

Asbestos is made up of tiny fibers which are too small to be seen by the human eye. These fibers are found in many different building materials, including insulation, lagging, and gaskets, and can become airborne when disturbed. Depending on the concentration of asbestos present, the risk of developing serious health issues is increased if the fibers and particles are being inhaled. The most serious health risks associated with asbestos are lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These conditions can be fatal if left untreated, making asbestos abatement a critical procedure where the presence of asbestos is determined.

Other risks associated with asbestos include skin irritation, eye infections or inflammation, increased risk of gastrointestinal cancers, and ovarian cancer. If a property owner does not ensure proper safety precautions are taken, people can be exposed to asbestos. Another risk associated with asbestos is the potential to contaminate the environment. This means that when asbestos is released into the environment, it can impact both animals and humans who come into contact with it. Contaminated air, water, and soil can all impact long-term health and lead to diseases.



Understanding Asbestos Abatement

Asbestos abatement is the process of removing hazardous material from a structure in a safe and effective way. It involves specially trained and certified professionals who are experienced in dealing with harmful asbestos fibers. From containment to removal to disposal, the asbestos abatement process is intensive and must be completed according to guidelines established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other local and governmental regulations. The procedure takes place in designated abatement sites and involves special clothing, ventilators, masks, (HEPA) vacuums, and other specialized equipment.

Once the hazardous material has been contained and the air has been tested (and deemed safe), the abatement process begins. The material is carefully sealed off, to ensure the safest removal possible. After all of the hazardous materials have been removed, they are either placed in sealed double bags or sealed drums and dragged away from the building. The next step is to clean the area of any remaining airborne particles using HEPA vacuums, special “wet wipes”, and negative pressure systems.

The final step in the abatement process is to properly dispose of the hazardous debris. This is done in accordance with EPA regulations. All debris must be taken to a licensed disposal site for proper containment and disposal. Depending on the specific laws in your area, you may also be required to provide a Certificate of Disposal to certify that the material has been disposed of properly and at a safe, legal location.



The Importance of Professional Abatement Services

The presence of asbestos in buildings is a serious health risk that must be addressed with caution. Asbestos abatement, the process of removing harmful materials from a structure, can be complicated and should be done by a professional with the proper training and certification. Many people mistakenly attempt to remove asbestos themselves due to its potentially hazardous nature. However, that is a dangerous mistake. Here are some reasons why asbestos abatement should only be done by a professional:

1. Experience and Knowledge: Professionals who specialize in asbestos abatement have higher levels of expertise and experience than do-it-yourselfers. They are highly trained in the proper procedures for identifying and safely containing, removing and disposing of asbestos.
2. Multiple Regulations: Professional abatement services understand the numerous regulations concerning asbestos removal and disposal. An experienced provider will know what strategies and technologies to use to safely manage the materials in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
3. Exposure Can Be Deadly: Asbestos fibers are extremely small and cannot be seen by the naked eye. This means that anyone removing asbestos can be exposed to these fibers before noticing them, potentially leading to severe health issues. Professional abatement firms have the equipment, such as air quality monitors, dust masks, and protective hazmat suits, needed to complete the job safely.
4. Proper Cleanup: After the hazardous materials have been removed, a thorough cleanup is necessary to remove all traces of asbestos. Professional abatement companies are qualified to use the necessary tools, such as vacuums and HEPA filters, to ensure that all surfaces remain entirely free of asbestos dust.
5. Professionalism: When time is of the essence and doing it right matters, you need a professional to do it. A professional abatement firm will offer reliable advice, speak with local authorities and respect your property throughout the entire process.
6. Coverage: Asbestos abatement projects are potentially dangerous and can create costly liabilities for those involved. Professional asbestos abatement companies are required to carry insurance to protect themselves and their clients from any potential liabilities.

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can have serious and sometimes fatal health effects. To ensure the utmost safety, it is critical that asbestos abatement is carried out by trained and certified professionals. These experts are experienced in the necessary steps and procedures of abatement and understand the safety measures that must be taken to effectively and safely remove hazardous material. Therefore, if you or someone you know needs an asbestos abatement job, it’s important to contact a certified and experienced professional to ensure the task is carried out correctly.



Professionally Safe Asbestos Abatement with Hathaway Environmental!