Construction & Contractors Blog
Asbestos is a hazardous fibre that can be found inside your business or home. Asbestos fibres are small and undetectable, making it difficult to determine whether you have been exposed. Asbestos abatement is the identification, repair, removal and encapsulation of products or materials in a structure to remove the threat of exposure to asbestos fibres.
Why Is Asbestos Abatement Necessary?
If materials containing asbestos are not removed by an asbestos abatement professional, they pose a great danger to anyone who comes in contact with raw asbestos materials, fibres or dust. Ingesting or inhaling asbestos can cause serious health conditions like asbestosis, mesothelioma cancer, asbestos lung cancer, and pleural plaques.
Types of Asbestos
Asbestos abatement starts with a licensed asbestos inspector who looks at samples of suspected asbestos. The samples are inspected in a laboratory to determine the seriousness of the problem. The removal process involves several site preparations. There are two types of asbestos: Class A and Class B. Each of these variations has a different removal process.
Class A asbestos, also known as friable asbestos, turns to fibres or dust when it is crushed. If you inhale it, it can cause respiratory problems such as lung cancer. Class A asbestos is the most dangerous type of asbestos, and it is common in sprayed-on coatings, thermal insulation, and floor tiles. The removal process involves getting rid of asbestos used for preventing heat gain or loss, surfaces with asbestos materials, and any other areas suspected of having asbestos.
Class B asbestos, also known as non-friable asbestos, is found in building materials like roofs, vinyl tiles, walls, and ceilings. Construction workers are mainly affected by this type of asbestos. However, if it is not damaged or disturbed, the risk of infection is low. The removal process involves getting rid of materials containing non-thermal asbestos such as floor tiles, wallboards, roofing, sheeting and construction mastics.
What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos Contamination
The first thing you should do when you suspect your home or office is infected with asbestos is not to touch the suspicious materials. You also need to limit activities in the area and keep children out of the area. Experts warn against removing, sweeping, dusting, or vacuuming asbestos debris. Finally, contact a certified asbestos professional to inspect the area and to perform removal services.
Summing It Up
Asbestos can be very harmful if it contaminates your home or office. You are advised to contact an asbestos abatement company the moment you suspect contamination. Asbestos companies are not all the same. Some professionals specialise in demolition services while others deal with environmental services and general contracting services such as abatement. You need to determine what services you need before hiring a specialist. Additionally, you ought to ensure that you are working with a licensed or certified professional.
To learn more about asbestos removal, consult a resource in your area.
Share20 February 2020
Hello and welcome to my construction blog. My name is David and I would like to tell you about the process of designing and building a new home from the ground up. I had always dreamed of building my own home and last year, that dream became a reality. I had been saving money for many years so I could afford to buy the materials and employ the contractors needed to construct my home. I learnt so much during the process, I decided to start this blog. It was a wonderful day when the final piece of my home was put into place and I am now very happy.