The Significance of Proper Asbestos Removal in Demolition
If you are contemplating a demolition project, chances are you are already quite aware of the dangers related to asbestos removal.
But are these really true, or are they just a bunch of baseless myths surfing the internet?
Now, before you make up your mind and call up a demolition service, let’s get the basics out of the way and understand the extent of the danger related to improper asbestos removal.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is made up of fibrous minerals that are mined from rocks. Due to its heat and chemical-resistant properties, this material soon began to be used in homes and commercial buildings. The usage was rampant and reached its height in the 1940s, after which the toxicity of the material was discovered. Although the use of asbestos was stopped, we can still find numerous old buildings with asbestos.
List of common household items consisting of asbestos
You may be surprised to find how many of our regular items are made up of or contain some amount of asbestos.
- HVAC Duct Insulation- If your HVAC is a few decades old, chances are you may find traces of asbestos.
- Textured ceiling and roofing materials- Ceilings such as popcorn ceiling materials are often made up of asbestos, making them a health hazard.
- Plaster- This is probably the most common thing in your home that may have traces of asbestos.
- Cement panels- They are also notorious for carrying bits and pieces of asbestos, which makes them dangerous.
- Others- A few types of Linoleum, vinyl floor tiles, stucco, cement panels, and other such household items are also known carriers of asbestos.
Why is proper Asbestos removal important?
The detrimental effects of improper Asbestos removal cannot be overstated. So, we have listed below the various complications that arise from this exposure if you are planning on DIYing the removal process.
1. Health Risks Associated With DIY Removal
Asbestos exposure from improper removal can have two types of effects in humans.
- Acute exposure happens when you are in contact with numerous fibers for a short period of time.
- Chronic exposure occurs when you are exposed to lower levels but for a prolonged period of time.
Both of these exposures can lead to serious health hazards, such as:
- Asbestosis- This disease damages your lungs internally, making breathing extremely difficult and laborious.
- Mesothelioma- this is a type of cancer that impacts the inner lining of the lungs and abdominal cavity.
- Lung cancer- Another form of cancer that damages the lungs completely.
2. Environmental risks
Since Asbestos does not disintegrate and is non-biodegradable, it can have a lasting impact on our environment.
When not treated properly, asbestos contaminates the air, water, and soil and can even travel long distances due to its suspension properties. This makes the atmosphere around a demolition site extremely toxic.
Laws Regarding Asbestos Removal
Both state and federal bodies have restricted the use of asbestos to a bare minimum. These laws include
- Clean Air Act states that asbestos should be dampened before removal.
- Construction Standards of OSHA
- General Industry Standards of OSHA
- The Worker Protection Rule
- National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
- Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act
- Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act
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Scared that your old house may contain asbestos? Reach out to our professionals at JM Environmental.
We are well-trained to provide you with the best in class service in Asbestos Inspection, Asbestos Testing and Analysis, Asbestos Abatement, and Asbestos Removal. JM Environmental’s professionals are highly trained and experienced, making us the best Asbestos Removal service in Stockton.
Not only do we adhere to the strict legal conditions, but we also offer follow-up procedures to make sure your demolition task is completed safely and with utmost care. Contact us to avail our super-fast service.
