Everything I Should Know About Asbestos Services
Many buildings constructed before the 1980s contain asbestos, a naturally-occurring fibrous mineral. Asbestos exposure can cause serious health problems, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.
We understand that finding reliable asbestos services in your area can be stressful. We serve the greater Chicagoland area and can be your reliable asbestos services provider. We have created this insightful resource to give you everything you need to know about asbestos services like asbestos removal, asbestos testing, and Illinois asbestos regulations.
If you’re concerned about the presence of asbestos in your home or workplace, Asbestos Project Management’s Chicago asbestos services can help. Read on to learn more about Illinois asbestos regulations, asbestos removal in Chicago, and how Asbestos Project Management can help.
Why Asbestos Was Legal in the Past?
You might be wondering why such a harmful substance was ever legal in the first place, and why it was so common in the US. Unfortunately, at first no one was aware of the dangers that asbestos fibers posed. There was no reason to restrict such a useful, and convenient material. Asbestos building materials were not only legal, but popular for many reasons.
The Versatility and Durability of Asbestos Materials
Asbestos fibers are highly resistant to heat, fire, chemicals, and electricity, making them ideal for a wide range of building applications. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials, including ceilings, insulation, roofing, flooring, and cement products. We have another guide that covers the most common asbestos containing materials as well.
Asbestos Materials Were Cheap
Asbestos was a cost-effective material, contributing to its widespread use in various industries.
Its abundance and relatively low production costs made it an attractive option for manufacturers and builders. Using asbestos materials significantly reduced the costs of construction.
Lack of Awareness on the Adverse Health Effects
In the early to mid-20th century, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure were not fully understood . The latency period for asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis, is often several decades, and symptoms may not manifest until long after exposure. However, once these health issues were clearly attributed to asbestos, steps were taken to protect the public’s health.
Asbestos Restrictions After the 1980s
The link between asbestos exposure and serious health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, became increasingly evident in scientific research. Health organizations and regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), took steps to address the health risks posed by asbestos.
Federal Asbestos Regulatory Measures
In the 1970s and 1980s, countries, including the United States, began implementing regulations to control and limit the use of asbestos. The Clean Air Act (1970) and the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1986 in the U.S. were significant legislative measures aimed at regulating asbestos use and managing its presence in schools.
Asbestos Bans and Phased Reductions
Some countries, recognizing the severe health risks, implemented outright bans on the use of asbestos. For example, the European Union banned the use of asbestos in most products in the late 1990s.
Other countries, like the United States, implemented phased reductions and restrictions on specific asbestos-containing products.
Increased Public Awareness
Public awareness campaigns, legal actions, and scientific research contributed to a better understanding of the dangers associated with asbestos exposure. As awareness grew, demand for alternative, safer materials increased, further contributing to the decline in asbestos use.
What To Know About Illinois Asbestos Regulations
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency enforces federal and state asbestos regulations, including the Asbestos Abatement Act and Asbestos Abatement for Public and Private Schools and Commercial Public Buildings in Illinois.
According to these acts, only licensed asbestos professionals can handle and remove asbestos-containing materials from buildings. They also require demolition or renovation projects involving asbestos to first be inspected by a licensed inspector. If the inspector finds asbestos, the materials must be properly abated before the project can proceed.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency also requires owners and operators subject to the National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants to submit a $150 fee along with a Demolition/Renovation/Asbestos Project Notification Form 10 working days before starting a regulated asbestos renovation or demolition project.
Asbestos Project Management is your go-to certified asbestos services provider. We continue to maintain the highest level of education and certifications. We do this because safety for our employees and customers is our top priority.
We will work with you to assist in ensuring that your commercial or residential property contains the right permits for your asbestos services. We are always here to answer your questions on Illinois asbestos regulations. If you have any questions that don’t get answered after reading this blog, reach out to us! Keep on reading to learn more about asbestos testing and asbestos removal services.
Everything You Need To Know About Asbestos Testing in Chicago
Asbestos removal experts can use several methods to test for asbestos in your home:
- Air samples for measuring airborne asbestos
- Soil and water testing to detect illegal dumping of asbestos-containing materials, if any, and
- Building material samples to test for asbestos-containing building materials at your home or workplace.
In case of positive results, the team can help remove asbestos safely, effectively, and in compliance with city, state, and federal laws.
Here at Asbestos project management, we provide reliable and fast at-home asbestos testing. In addition, we offer a reliable asbestos testing service. Our highly trained and reliable professional technicians will test the potential asbestos-containing materials and work to address your concerns every step of the way!
Everything You Need To Know About Asbestos Services in Chicago
With so many asbestos removal companies in the Chicagoland area, finding an experienced and compliant company can be difficult. It’s especially daunting if you have never contacted an asbestos removal company.
That’s where Asbestos Project Management comes in. Compliant, experienced, and professional, we have ample experience removing asbestos from residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal buildings. Unlike most Chicago asbestos removal companies, we provide 24-hour emergency response asbestos testing and removal services.
Our Chicago asbestos removal services are the best around, in fact, we are rated as a top asbestos service provider by Angi’s List and Home Advisor. Our family-owned company also provides a free estimate for asbestos removal, which sets us apart from other companies in this industry. If you are in need of an asbestos removal service don’t fret we are here to help.
Asbestos Removal Misconceptions
There are quite a bit misconceptions about asbestos removal. It’s important we note that asbestos removal is not a DIY project. Asbestos can affect your health in many ways. Due to the difficulty of an asbestos removal job, as well as the health risks associated with improperly handled asbestos, DIY asbestos removal is never a good idea.
In addition to this, asbestos removal is safer than asbestos encapsulation. After people discover they have asbestos-containing materials in their home they look for removal options. Encapsulation may be recommended as asbestos services for those who are looking for a cheaper option, but encapsulation involves only sealing the surface of the asbestos-containing material.
Whereas removal of asbestos permanently eliminates the asbestos from the building. Encapsulation may be cheaper than removal at first, but it’s only a temporary solution that needs regular maintenance and annual inspections, which means costs will add up in the long run. Instead choose removal for your asbestos services so you do not need to worry about it ever again!
Where Can I Send a Sample for Asbestos Testing in Chicago?
If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home or workplace, you can send a sample to Asbestos Project Management’s at-home asbestos services. We do everything we can to make asbestos testing in Chicago as easy as possible!
Follow these steps to use our at-home asbestos testing kits:
- Collect the sample. Spray a fine mist of water and scrape a piece from the entire depth of the material using a small knife. Place the piece into a clean container like a Ziplock bag. Tightly seal the container.
- Complete the submittal form. Fill out the Submittal Form. Our testing fees are $75 for the first sample and $25 for each additional sample.
- Ship your samples. Ensure the sample bags are closed tight and write your name on the packaging. You can ship your samples using any shipping service.
- Get the results. Once the samples arrive, we will begin the testing process. We will email the results within 1-2 business days. We will put the samples on hold if we do not receive your payment.
Contact APM For All Your Asbestos Services Questions
Asbestos Project Management offers essential asbestos services, including asbestos removal and testing in Chicago and the surrounding areas. With the potential health risks associated with asbestos exposure, it is crucial to address any concerns about its presence in your residential or commercial property.
Asbestos Project Management provides expertise in compliance with Illinois asbestos regulations and efficient asbestos services in Chicago. Trust Asbestos Project Management to be your reliable asbestos partner. Call us at 630-291-7111, or contact us online to learn more about our asbestos services.
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