How to Eliminate Black Asbestos Mastic?
With DIYs on the rise, it is easy to search for ways to remove black asbestos mastic on your own and without any professional assistance. However, let it be known that just like mold removal requires expert hands, removal of black asbestos mastic also needs professional intervention.
Now, before you click out, let us dive deep into what black asbestos mastic really is and how to address the issue of this dangerous substance.
What Is Black Asbestos Mastic?
Mastic is a glue-like substance that is used in buildings and construction. Several black mastics that were produced during the mid-20th century were made with asbestos since they were extremely cheap, so they were used in both residential and commercial buildings.
Asphaltic cutback adhesive was an old type of mastic that was prepared with asphalt-based cement. It was the asphalt content that made the mastic look black in color. Asbestos was added to this mixture for its strengthening properties.
Why Was Asbestos Used In Black Mastic?
Asbestos was commonly used in mastic because of its fire-resistant abilities. However, the most important purpose and sole focus of the asbestos was to make the product more durable. Since asbestos is extremely fibrous, the fibers interlock to help add strength to the mastic.
Where Can You Find Black Asbestos Mastic?
In the early years, that is, the 20th century, almost all resilient flooring was stuck to the subfloor.
Black mastic was used as an adhesive for ceramic tile, vinyl, linoleum, and other types of resilient flooring materials. So, you can find black asbestos mastic in
- Floors
- Interior fixtures
- Wall panels
- Roofs
- Air Ducts
- Boilers
- Furnaces
- Pipes
How To Identify Black Asbestos Mastic?
Black asbestos mastic can only be seen after the floor covering has been removed. It is black in color with a mix of other colors, especially from subflooring showing through the mastic.
Usually, black mastic stays flat against the subfloor, with no bumps or gaps, but often has slight embedded comb-like marks or swirls. This is usually a result of the initial application.
How To Verify If It’s Black Asbestos Mastic?
While black asbestos mastic was mostly used in the 20th century, several companies did not produce it until the 1980s. So, if your home has been built or remodeled around or before the 1980s, there is a high chance that it consists of black asbestos mastic.
However, to truly make sure, you can opt for DIY kits for ascertaining if it's asbestos. All you have to do is scrape a section, seal it, package it, and send it to the lab.
What Are The Health Risks Of Black Asbestos Mastic?
Black asbestos mastic can be extremely toxic to your health if not handled or disposed of properly. When exposed to this substance you run the risk of getting.
- Asbestosis
- Pleuritis and pleural plaques
- Laryngeal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Ovarian cancer
It is, therefore extremely important to get rid of black asbestos mastic properly to avoid the risk of any disease.
How To Remove Black Asbestos Mastic?
If you have been looking for easy DIY methods to remove black asbestos mastic, you are in for disappointment. The extremely toxic nature of asbestos has made it extremely risky for laymen to interact with it. Therefore, akin to mold remediation, which requires prolonged training and expertise, it is important that black asbestos mastic is dealt with professionally.
Experts have the required knowledge to deal with this toxic substance so it does not come in contact with anyone.
| Explore Our Services: Serving Sacramento, Stockton & Vacavile | ||
| Asbestos Abatement | Demolition Services | Fire Debris Removal & Cleanup |
Looking To Get Your Black Asbestos Mastic Removed? JM Environmental Is Here To Help.
With over two decades of experience in hazardous material abatement and demolition, especially mold remediation, removal, and mold abatement in Stockton, we make sure you and your family are in the pink of health.
We deal with hazardous materials to protect not just you but also the environment, making us the best in the industry. JM Environmental professionals are required to undergo rigorous training to make your safety our top priority.
Now, you can rest assured while we tackle any and every hazardous material problem. Contact us now!
