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What is Asbestos Abatement?

Author: Melanie Randall
by Melanie Randall
Posted: Jul 29, 2021

It might not be what you want to hear, but there might be asbestos in your building. It has been phased out since the 1980s, but it was commonly used after the 1930s, so although it is not used now, it might still present. The best thing to do is to consult an asbestos removal service to find out whether it is present and the best way forward with asbestos abatement.

What is asbestos abatement?

Simply put, asbestos abatement is about removing a highly toxic substance from the building. Asbestos did once have its usefulness as a building material. It was used for fireproofing and strengthening because it is resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion. These qualities also make it more difficult to remove now. There are regulations and procedures to follow for the health of everyone.

It must be removed, however, because breathing asbestos is toxic, and even small amounts of exposure can do great damage to the human body. Asbestos is made up of thin, needle-like fibers, and when those fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they become permanently trapped in the body. This leads to disease, scarring, inflammation, and cancers.

There were two commonly used types of asbestos, and both require asbestos removal agents to assess the level of risk and to take it out safely. It is true that these materials are not dangerous until they are disturbed, but it is inevitable that they will be disturbed at some point in the future. The types of asbestos are known as friable and non-friable, or in other words, crumbly or non-crumbly. Friable asbestos is airborne and so is an immediate risk. It is easily accessible, easier to find, and easier to inhale. Non-friable asbestos is inaccessible. Common places it may exist are within the drywall or siding, and it can’t be accessed until it exposed due to renovations or damage. Examples of the non-crumbling type are floor tiles, fire doors, or siding.

Asbestos Abatement is regulated

If you have an older building or an older home, there is very likely to be asbestos in there somewhere. So, before beginning those renovations, have the area inspected by a professional asbestos removal company who will tell you how to proceed. Asbestos removal is a specific and regulated process, and only professional asbestos abatement service providers understand the risks, regulations, and requirements that must be followed.

Don’t ignore asbestos

Building owners may be tempted to ignore this problem, thinking that it might be a large inconvenience or expense, or even a liability issue. This is another reason to be sure to contact a removal service. They can advise and answer any questions. Asbestos Abatement services will deal with the problem and let you know what must be done. They will do it quickly and will get everything up to code as quickly as possible. Don’t ignore this problem—it can only become worse!

If you think there may be asbestos exposure in your home, your workplace, or in a building you own, don’t try to remove it yourself. Leave it alone and talk to a licensed asbestos abatement company who will advise you on the next steps.

Alliance-Enviro is an environmental company that specializes in services such as mold remediation, asbestos abatement ( alliance-enviro.com/services/environmental/asbestos-abatement ), demolition services, dryer duct cleaning, HVAC duct cleaning, lead paint removal, trauma clean up, etc. in Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Sacramento, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and Santa Barbara. For more information, visit https://info.alliance-enviro.com/blog.

About the Author

I'm a freelance copywriter and I write on a variety of topics.

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Author: Melanie Randall

Melanie Randall

Member since: Aug 19, 2020
Published articles: 74

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