Asbestos abatement is crucial as it ensures that residents’ or workers’ health is not at risk. The primary reason for removing asbestos is to protect the health of humans, pets, and wildlife. The fibers that are released by asbestos should not be inhaled nor ingested to avoid developing diseases such as lung cancer or mesothelioma.
Some occupants may not be aware of what asbestos is, which could unknowingly lead to a disturbance or damage of asbestos-containing material. In this case, the occupants of that building will be at high risk of contamination without even knowing. For this very reason, landlords and homeowners must always test for asbestos.
Since asbestos was widely used in the 1980s before its health hazards were known, old houses are likelier to have asbestos-containing material. Asbestos abatement, therefore, becomes crucial for eliminating health risks and increasing occupant safety.
Where is Asbestos Mostly Found in Houses?
If you have ever attended a school or church built in the late 1970s, you’ve likely been exposed to asbestos without knowing. Homebuilders use asbestos for various things, such as strengthening cement or insulation around pipes or walls, sometimes even for sound absorption. It was only after 1970 that the use of asbestos around the house was banned because of its long-term health risks.
In older homes, you may find asbestos in walls, floors, roofs, cement sheets, insulation around pipes/ducts, and textured wall paints. Suppose you have any material that contains the chrysotile or amosite. In that case, you should seek a professional for asbestos remediation as they are the two minerals that contain the highest levels of asbestos. If any material crumbles down from the ceiling or seals are worn out on your wood stove, don’t touch them, as they may contain asbestos.
You may need to contact a licensed asbestos removal professional with the proper training to get these checked out. To find a licensed professional, search online or contact your state or local health department and ask for a list of licensed contractors around your area. This is safer than handling it yourself with no training or experience in handling asbestos.
Safety Guidelines for Asbestos Remediation
There are guidelines in place for the remediation of asbestos. These safety guidelines protect workers, the environment, and the public from potential harmful exposure. Asbestos abatement regulations state that anyone performing asbestos work should wear protective gear suitable for the task.
Drilling and cutting of asbestos-containing material should be avoided if possible because asbestos can be airborne. Cutting and disturbing this material can lead to a high risk of exposure. When getting rid of asbestos, they should always be wrapped with plastic sheeting with labels indicating what is inside.
These should always be disposed of at the designated area or landfills to avoid any accidental resurfacing to the public. The dangers associated with this hazardous mineral are far too great to ignore. It is, therefore, imperative that guidelines and regulations for asbestos remediation are followed.
Can Materials Containing Asbestos be Re-Used or Recycled?
Even though we are a generation focused on combating climate change by recycling to save energy and prevent the extraction of raw materials, recycling materials containing asbestos is a taboo.
Although it can be recycled, we are advised not to do it unless performed by a trained professional with specialized equipment and chemicals that may not be available to the general public. There are several recycling methods, but they are still under development and are not implemented for now. The best option is to refrain from recycling these materials and dispose of them in the correct landfills.
Why Asbestos Remediation is Important
There are other reasons why asbestos abatement is necessary. These include human and animal health as well as resale value. Buyers are usually wary of homes with asbestos in them. Asbestos’s presence in a home challenges sellers and makes it hard to find a buy. Houses with asbestos then tend to have a very low resale value because buyers are usually concerned about their health and the costs that will arise from having to perform a remediation of asbestos.