Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was commonly used in building materials until the 1980s. Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. As such, it is crucial to have any potential asbestos-containing materials in your home or building identified and handled appropriately. However, it is important to understand the difference between asbestos abatement and asbestos removal to determine the best course of action.
The History of Asbestos Use in Building Materials
Asbestos was a popular building material because of its fire-resistant and insulating properties. It was commonly used in insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, cement products, roofing materials, and some types of textured paint. However, after it was discovered that exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems, the use of asbestos in building materials was greatly reduced.
Identifying Materials that May Contain Asbestos in Your Home or Building
If your home or building was constructed before the 1980s, it may contain asbestos. However, not all materials used in construction during that time contain asbestos. The only way to know for sure whether a material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a certified asbestos testing laboratory. Common materials that may contain asbestos include insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, cement products, roofing materials, and some types of textured paint.
Asbestos Abatement: What It Entails and Why It’s Important
Asbestos abatement involves the identification, removal, encapsulation, or enclosure of materials containing asbestos in a structure. The goal is to reduce the level of asbestos in a building to protect the health and safety of those who live or work in the building. Asbestos abatement is performed by licensed professionals trained in handling asbestos safely and efficiently. They first assess the building to determine the extent of the asbestos contamination, and then proceed with the removal, encapsulation, or enclosure of the affected materials.
Asbestos Removal: The Difference in Scope and Complexity
Asbestos removal is the complete removal of materials containing asbestos from a building or structure. This process is more involved and requires specialized equipment and procedures to ensure that asbestos fibers are not released into the air during the removal process. However, asbestos removal is only necessary when the materials become damaged or disturbed and create an imminent health hazard.
What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos in Your Home or Building
If you suspect that you have asbestos in your home or building, do not try to remove or disturb it yourself, as this can release asbestos fibers into the air. Instead, contact a licensed asbestos professional to inspect the material and determine whether it contains asbestos. Advanced Remediation in Edmonton is a reputable and licensed asbestos abatement contractor that specializes in handling asbestos safely and effectively.
The Importance of Hiring a Licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractor
It is crucial to hire a reputable and licensed asbestos abatement contractor to ensure that the job is done safely and effectively. Asbestos abatement and removal are complex and dangerous processes that require specialized training and equipment. A licensed contractor such as Advanced Remediation in Edmonton follows strict safety protocols to ensure that they do not release asbestos fibers into the air during the removal process.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Health and Safety by Dealing with Asbestos Professionally
Dealing with asbestos in your home or building can be a daunting task, but it is essential for protecting your health and safety. Identifying potential asbestos-containing materials and handling them appropriately through asbestos abatement or removal is the key to reducing the risk of asbestos exposure. By hiring a licensed asbestos abatement contractor like Advanced Remediation, you can be confident that the job will be done safely and effectively.