Asbestos fibers are microscopic, durable, and fire-resistant. This makes them extremely dangerous and challenging to eliminate.
If you have noticed issues with this material in your business or commercial building, you need to act.
At this point, searching for asbestos removal near me is smart. It is likely clear that you need a company that handles the substance.
The dangers of asbestos are well known, including respiratory diseases, cancer, and more, which means protecting yourself, your employees, or your tenants from exposure is a top priority.
While finding asbestos abatement services is a top priority, other factors must be considered. Knowing as much as possible about this material and how the removal process works can help ensure you make an informed decision regarding whom to hire for asbestos removal near me.
Are you ready to get started? If so, learn more about asbestos and the proper removal process here. This information will ensure you keep yourself and everyone else safe from this dangerous material.
Risk Factors Associated With Asbestos in Commercial Buildings
If you own an older commercial building, “hidden” asbestos may present. In this case, a good first step is to invest in an asbestos assessment.
However, if your building was constructed before 1970, there is a good chance that asbestos products were used. While some of the main sources of asbestos may have been removed, small amounts may be lingering in the building.
Some common sources of asbestos in commercial buildings include the following:
Conduits used for electrical wiring
Cement pipes and pipe coverings
Older lab furniture
Corrosive chemical containers
Heating vessels and boilers
Roofing products, including coatings and sealants
If you believe your commercial building may still have asbestos present, it is time to look into asbestos removal near me from a professional and experienced service provider.
Tips to Identify Materials That May Contain Asbestos
Asbestos was used for making many products in the past, including automotive parts, consumer goods, and automotive parts. The material was popular because of its fire resistance and durability.
As mentioned above, if you have a commercial building constructed between 1930 and 1970, there is a good chance that asbestos is present.
In 1984, a national survey was released by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) that provided information on the broken (friable) asbestos present in public buildings. At this time, the EPA stated that 20% of private and public buildings contained friable asbestos.
Asbestos could still be in a building if it were built between 1970 and 1980. Since the substance’s fibers cannot be seen, it is difficult to identify this material.
If you believe your building may have asbestos present, it is smart to schedule an assessment and then hire professionals for asbestos removal near me.
The Importance of Handling Asbestos Safely
You must ensure that asbestos in your commercial building is handled properly to prevent asbestos exposure. If mishandled, asbestos fibers can become airborne and cause serious health problems.
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the linings of your lungs, heart, or abdomen. Ongoing exposure to these fibers can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
The Asbestos and Mitigation Process
As a commercial building owner, treating any material containing asbestos as dangerous is necessary. Make sure no one touches the material and, if possible, block off the area where it is located until an inspector can test it.
When you call professionals for asbestos removal near me, they will come to your location and conduct a visual inspection for possible hazards. If materials are questionable, the inspector will remove the pieces for testing.
The sample will be sent to a lab and tested for asbestos. The inspector can suggest the next steps if the samples test positive for asbestos.
Sometimes, this will include encapsulating the materials or removing them completely.
What to Know About Asbestos Removal
Based on the current condition of the materials containing asbestos, abatement or encapsulation may be recommended (as mentioned above). With encapsulation, the specialists apply a sealant to the materials. The purpose of the sealant is to keep the fibers from becoming airborne.
For more severe damage, the materials may have to be removed. The steps for asbestos removal include the following:
Turn all HVAC units off
Seal vents to prevent fiber circulation
Seal the work area using plastic sheeting
Use HEPA filter vacuums and wet cleanup tools
Put materials removed in leak-tight marked containers
During the removal process, workers should wear coveralls and full-face mask respirators. This will provide full protection from any materials containing asbestos.
Asbestos Disposal
The company you hire for asbestos abatement will likely handle disposal; however, it is still smart to know how the material should be handled.
It is important to note that each state and area has specific protocols related to asbestos waste disposal.
In some situations, asbestos can be recycled using high heat. This will transform the fibers into inert silicate gas.
The high temperature will destroy the fibers and make them non-hazardous.
However, recycling options are limited since this is still relatively new.
Hiring the Right Company for Asbestos Removal Near Me
Now that you know about the asbestos removal process, it is time to hire the right company for asbestos removal near me.
We offer quality asbestos removal services provided by professionally trained technicians. We even offer 24/7 emergency services.
Contact our office to schedule an appointment or assessment at (951) 394-0529. You can count on our professional team to handle the asbestos in your commercial building safely and properly.