Asbestos Remediation: Why Is It Important?
You’ve probably heard about the risks of asbestos, but you may still have questions regarding the importance of asbestos remediation. Before the 1980s, home builders commonly used asbestos-containing materials. Therefore, if you plan to remodel your house or do any renovation, professional testing is imperative before getting started.
If asbestos gets disturbed, small fibers become airborne. Once inhaled, they pose a serious risk of a variety of illnesses, including cancer. However, if asbestos-containing materials are not disturbed, there is no danger. The problem is that the remodeling or renovation process of an older home often involves changing or removing drywall, ceilings, flooring, pipes, and other things that could contain asbestos.
Even without remodeling or renovation, if your home is more than 40 years old, you can still have an expert complete the testing and asbestos removal process. Although perhaps not necessary, it would give you peace of mind, especially if you have children. Regardless of the situation, it is essential to hire a company with years of experience and specialized expertise.
Depending on location and volume of the material as well as the level of disruption, an expert chooses from several high-tech asbestos abatement techniques. As part of the asbestos removal process, the individual will don protective gear and put up barriers to prevent any confirmed asbestos from spreading to other rooms. Typically, a technician hangs heavy-duty plastic sheeting to isolate the room with asbestos-containing material and closes off air ducts, fireplaces, and so on that serve as a pathway for the particles to travel.
The Value of Remediation
- Widely Present – As mentioned, homes built before the 1980s commonly have asbestos in a variety of materials. According to recent studies, this toxic substance is in as many as 30 million residential and commercial buildings throughout North America. Therefore, if you have an older home and suspect a problem, there is a good chance that expert testing will confirm your suspicions.
- Potential Health Risks – One of the main reasons for asbestos remediation is to prevent potential health hazards as well as further exposure. While mild exposure can irritate the lungs, long-term exposure is far worse and is linked to several life-threatening illnesses including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. The quicker you get the problem rectified, the better.
You should never try to remove asbestos yourself. Instead, you need to turn to a professional company like Air Doctor. We use innovative asbestos abatement techniques, ensuring the complete removal of any harmful materials. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.