Five Benefits of Asbestos Removal
Asbestos is a mineral which occurs naturally and was once used in abundance to manufacture everything from homes to fireproof vests. It was mixed in cement due to its properties of heat resistance and strength. Every branch of the United States military used asbestos in some form for maintenance, construction, and repair. Military bases were full of materials that contained asbestos.
Asbestos was perfect until it was discovered that it is highly toxic. In the 20th century concerns of illness related to asbestos began to rise and peaked in 1920-1930. During the time of 1980-1990 restrictions were placed on the use of asbestos and it began to be phased out and finally banned in most countries.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that there are six different types of asbestos; amosite, chrysotile, crocidolite, actinolite, anthophyllite, and tremolite. All forms of asbestos used commercially are carcinogenic.
If your house was built before 1986 there is a likelihood that it could contain asbestos. Since asbestos was used in insulation, flame retardant which was applied to spray, false ceilings, ducts and small, closed-off spaces, chances are it could be placed throughout your home. You can find out by having a sample material tested and if there is asbestos present you can consider asbestos removal.
Five benefits of asbestos removal:
Reduce Your Cancer Risk
Illnesses related to asbestos are caused by exposure due to the occupation. However, others are at risk. For example, second-hand exposure from fibers brought home on a worker’s clothing. Also, homes built before 1986 gradually fall apart over time, dislodging asbestos fibers which then travel through the air. Asbestos is known to cause mesothelioma cancer.
Lessen Your Chance of Inhaling Asbestos
Anybody living in a home where asbestos is present could be inhaling asbestos fibers at any time.
Pet Health
If asbestos is present in ceiling tiles, siding, insulation, flooring, or shingles, pets too can become sick after inhaling asbestos fibers. So, asbestos removal is optimal for everyone’s health.
Natural Disasters and Asbestos Exposure
If any part of a house was built using asbestos and a natural disaster such as a tornado, fire or flood occurs, asbestos-laced materials can be badly damaged resulting in asbestos becoming airborne.
Asbestos Alternatives
There are now many, widely available alternatives to asbestos which can be used as insulation and all other building materials. These alternatives are much safer options than living with asbestos in your home.
Asbestos removal is key to ensuring the environment around you is free from toxic pollution. Remember to test for asbestos before beginning on any repairs or new building projects within your home. Look for a certified asbestos consultant like Greenfield, who can perform accredited tests for asbestos. This professional will also be able to recommend the appropriate process for the safe removal and containment of the asbestos. Also, they will be able to monitor the removal process accurately and certify the successful removal of the asbestos.
State, federal, and local authorities have stringent laws in place governing the safe process of asbestos removal and for the methods of handling, removing and disposing of asbestos. Regulations are varied from state to state, so it is important to make sure that the asbestos removal professional that you hire is following the laws of the state.
