Everything You Need To Know About Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used in buildings and other structures decades back as it was flame retardant and provided effective thermal insulation. However, asbestos production was banned in 1978 in the US when it was found that exposure to Asbestos caused a number of serious diseases, such as, mesothelioma and asbestosis. It is because of the growing awareness that there is an increasing demand for asbestos removal services.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally and is made of soft and thin, needle-like flexible fibres. It became popular in different industries as it is resistant to heat and corrosion. It works as an effective insulator and is often infused with cement, plastic, cloth, paper, and other materials to make them stronger. Therefore, it is no surprise to see the use of Asbestos in Structural components like asbestos ceilings and panels and inside technical ducts.

Harald Weber / CC BY-SA

Asbestos-Related Occupations And Risks

During the 20th century, millions of workers were involved in different industries and sectors like construction, fire fighting, electricity generation, military service, shipbuilding, mining, and heavy industry. The Registry of Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease shows that hundreds and thousands of them were exposed to the asbestos risk in many occupations.

Asbestos fibres are inhaled easily, and once they become airborne. When a person is exposed to Asbestos on a regular basis, and for a longer period of time, the Asbestos gradually accumulates in the body and causes irreversible damage to the body. It is seen that majority of the asbestos-related patients are men and, in their sixties, as these diseases can take decades to develop. The first step you can take to lower the risks of Asbestos is to look for asbestos removal companies and hire their services.

Asbestos Removal Procedures

If you think your building or structure was built before 1980 or is crumbling, there is a high possibility of the risk of possible asbestos exposure. The company must follow a proper procedure for asbestos removal, or your life and lives of others can be at risk if you come in contact with asbestos dust, asbestos fibres or raw asbestos materials.

Professional Help

Keep in mind that not all asbestos abatement companies would be the same as some may carry more experience, and some may even specialize only in asbestos removal. The federal regulations govern the rules and regulations related to the removal process and the protective measures to abide by the asbestos removal workers and the public.

Expense

Asbestos removal costs can vary with different companies and the complexity of work involved. For example, a simple sample analysis would cost about $25 to $75, while a home inspection for Asbestos can cost about $400 to $600. The complete asbestos removal price for an average-size home can cost up to $ 20000 to $30,000.

U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman Anthony Jennings

Many commercial areas and buildings can become multimillion-dollar projects. However, one can lower the costs by going for an encapsulating project which involves covering the Asbestos with a protective blockade so as to minimise the risks of asbestos exposure.

Over the decades, the asbestos fibres that are trapped within the body can eventually cause inflammation and even genetic damage. Asbestos is a leading cause of progressive lung disease as well as other forms of cancer. What you need is a reliable asbestos removal company that can inspect your building and remove Asbestos. Do your homework before going for any kind of asbestos removal services.