What is Asbestos?
Asbestos refers to a group of fibrous minerals. The fibers are soft and flexible yet resistant to heat, electricity and chemical corrosion. An effective insulator that can also be mixed into cloth, paper, cement, plastic and other materials to make them stronger.
These properties made asbestos very profitable for business, unfortunately it is also highly toxic.
Many homes built before 1980 contain Asbestos.
Asbestos can be found in:
- Old floor tiles
- Ceiling tiles
- Roof shingles and flashing
- Insulation (around boilers, ducts, pipes, sheeting, fireplaces)
- Pipe cement, and joint compound (used on seams between pieces of sheetrock).
- Some newer houses may also contain asbestos.
If not touched or disturbed, well colour-coated and in good condition – asbestos is usually not considered an immediate risk to health. However, anyone who disturbs an asbestos containing material, or is exposed to a disturbed asbestos – can be seriously affected.
Why is Asbestos Harmful to Your Health?
Asbestos fiber aggravate lung tissues when inhaled. Once asbestos fibers are in the body, they never dissolve, and the body has extreme difficulty expelling them. Over years of time, trapped asbestos fibers can cause inflammation, scarring, and eventually genetic damage to the body’s cells. Known to cause cancer and other diseases.
Can I remove Asbestos from my home myself?
No, you should not. Asbestos fibers can easily become air borne, and without proper precautions there may be risk of serious illness.
If you suspect there might be asbestos containing material, before renovations can take place, the material must be tested. If asbestos is present, proper procedures must be used before the material can be disturbed (removed, or cut).
Hire a professional contractor or consultant familiar with asbestos removal.
E.T. Mechanical technicians are qualified and fully trained asbestos abatement professionals. Dedicated to creating a safe environment for your home or workplace.
We will ensure:
- Dust is controlled.
- Appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment are used.
- Thorough clean up of work area and waste removal.
E.T. Mechanical technicians are qualified and fully trained Asbestos Abatement professionals.