The Importance of Asbestos Testing and Removal

Asbestos is a natural fibrous material used in construction, mainly after World War II during the 1940s-1980s. This material was important in construction because of its strength and heat resistance. However, research has confirmed that being exposed to asbestos can cause serious diseases like mesothelioma and cancer. Because of this, asbestos has been banned and requires special handling to be safely removed. 

When performing asbestos testing and removal, it is important to understand how to properly handle the material to reduce your risk of exposure to the harmful substance. 

What is Asbestos?

Because of its strength and heat resistance, asbestos became a prominent material in construction. It was mainly used in insulation, roofing, floor tiles, and cement. There are several different types of asbestos, all of which are highly dangerous when inhaled. 

• Chrysotille (White Asbestos): This is the most common asbestos, often found in insulation and roofing. 
• Amsote (Brown Asbestos): Like white asbestos, this kind is often found in insulation but is also common in cement sheets as well. 
• Crociodlite (Blue Asbestos): This is an even more dangerous form of asbestos that is highly restricted. It can be found in insulation from older buildings.
• Anthophylite, Tremolite, and Actinolite: These are less common but can still be found in construction materials from historic buildings. 

While it played an important role in contraction, the health risks associated with asbestos became more well-known over time. When materials containing asbestos are broken or cracked, tiny fibers are released into the air. These fibers are then inhaled and can cause extremely dangerous health risks like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Because of these health risks involved with asbestos, countries have banned the use of asbestos. While a restriction and ban prevent new construction from using different products, it doesn’t change the fact that historic buildings contain this dangerous material. 

Asbestos Exposure and Health Risks

When asbestos fibers become airborne, they pose a risk of being inhaled. These fibers penetrate the lungs and respiratory system easily, leading to long-term and potentially terminal diseases. Most of these diseases caused by asbestos appear years after exposure. 

• Asbestosis: Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Exposure to asbestos leads to difficulty breathing, coughing, and chest pain. This disease worsens over time and has no cure. If you develop asbestosis, you are at higher risk of developing other serious conditions like lung cancer. 
• Lung Cancer: The exposure to asbestos increases your chance of cancer, which is why proper asbestos testing and removal are crucial. The symptoms of lung cancer may not appear until years after exposure. While there are treatments, there is still no current cure for cancer. 
• Mesothelioma: This is a rare and extremely aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lung, abdomen, or heart. Typically, mesothelioma has a latency period of 20–50 years before symptoms start occurring. Because of its latency period, it is often found in an advanced stage. There are treatments available, but no cure. 

Individuals who work in construction and asbestos removal are at a higher risk of exposure and developing these serious health conditions. Secondary exposure also becomes a risk to the family and friends of these workers. The asbestos fibers can attach to clothes and be brought home to other people. Performing proper asbestos testing and removal is important when it comes to protecting yourself and others from exposure.

The Importance of Asbestos Testing

Asbestos testing, especially in historical buildings, before performing any construction is crucial. Asbestos testing will help identify the presence of the dangerous material, reducing your risk of exposure. If your asbestos test is positive, it is important to proceed with caution and let professionals handle the asbestos removal. Professionals are educated and equipped with the proper equipment to handle the hazardous material safely. 

When asbestos is disturbed or broken, it releases tiny, dangerous fibers and is severely dangerous for anyone’s health when being exposed. Testing items will help determine what areas of the building need to be removed and handled with care to prevent exposure. 

Asbestos Removal Techniques

Proper asbestos removal is a regulated process performed by professionals to eliminate materials that contain the hazardous material. This process is articulate and thorough to prevent the exposure to asbestos fibers. 

1. Asbestos Testing and Inspection: The first step to asbestos removal is hiring a professional to perform asbestos testing and inspection of the whole property. The workers will identify any materials that contain asbestos, helping them move forward in the removal process. 
2. Planning: Before beginning the removal process, the professionals will create a detailed plan to ensure the areas containing asbestos are contained to prevent the spread of fibers. In addition to this, they also have to set up their personal protection system. This starts with their barrier, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 
3. Isolation: Isolating the area is an extremely important step that consists of sealing off doors and windows and creating negative air pressure in the work zone. This process helps contain the fibers in one area. 
4. Asbestos Removal: After the previous steps are performed, the asbestos removal process is started. This should only be done by professionals.
5. Disposal: After the removal process, the asbestos waste is disposed of at a licensed facility that follows state and federal laws on asbestos removal. 

Asbestos removal is an extremely specialized process that requires knowledge of the material, equipment, and laws and regulations. Proper handling of asbestos will ensure minimization of health risks and exposure. 

Asbestos Testing and Removal: Call the Professionals

Asbestos is an extremely dangerous material that can cause untreatable illnesses after exposure. When suspecting asbestos in your home, it is crucial to call professionals to handle testing and removal to ensure the safety of you and your family. Here at Asbestos Project Management, we offer professional asbestos testing and removal to ensure safety inside your home. Our team of experts can help identify asbestos and safely remove it. Reach out to our team today for a free estimate!