Asbestos has been in use extensively in home construction for quite some times. It is even part of the concrete, sidings, and other construction material used in the house. However it must be replaced and disposed of after a certain time to avoid its harmful effect on human health. It should be made sure that asbestos abatement professionals handle, remove and dispose of the asbestos.
Because, asbestos professionals can safely handle it by keeping in focus all the regulations. On the other hand any kind of mishandling of asbestos may lead to asbestos exposure which may result in asbestos related diseases in humans. To learn more, keep reading.
1. Handling Asbestos Safely
It is a must to avoid asbestos exposure which is harmful for human health. The fibers of the asbestos become airborne when it is mishandled. When inhaled, these particles may become trapped in the linings of the lungs, heart or even abdomen. This may lead to the spread of diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. To ensure safety it is better to hire the commercial asbestos removal oklahoma city ok, who are located in Oklahoma City to help the locals. Recently, asbestos usage has declined due to the regulations and bans.
But people might still be at risk of asbestos exposure from old products and materials. During a renovation or demolition, asbestos-containing materials may be disturbed. Therefore, house owners should always contact the abatement company in case the building material becomes worn or broken.
2. Identifying Asbestos That May Need Removal
Asbestos has been incorporated into thousands of products, such as building material and automotive parts etc. Industries frequently used asbestos for its durability and fire-resistant qualities. It was later declared harmful but it might still be present in homes or commercial places built before the 1980 era.
Asbestos fibers are not visible to the human eye and can be difficult to identify. It’s important for people to be aware of common materials that may contain asbestos to prevent exposure. Some common building material containing asbestos may include caulking, ceiling tiles, cement sheeting, concrete, millboard, plasters, roof shingles/felt, sheetrock, siding, etc.
As it was previously used in buildings as thermal insulators. If an individual suspects asbestos is present, they can hire a professional to inspect the area.
3. Removing and Disposing Asbestos
Depending on the condition of the asbestos materials, professionals may recommend encapsulation or abatement. During an encapsulation, specialists will coat the asbestos materials with a sealant. The coating will prevent fibers from becoming airborne.
If the damage is too severe, the materials may need to be completely removed. Steps in the asbestos removal process include, turning off HVAC units, sealing vents to prevent asbestos fibers from circulating, sealing the work area or house using plastic sheets, using cleanup tools and keeping removed material in leak-tight containers.
The professional must use a mask and other people must vacate the area. Better to send family for vacation during the day, like on the beach or fishing using a mesh cast net on such days. After asbestos removal, abatement professionals take the materials to a landfill qualified to receive the waste.