Asbestos-containing materials are not generally harmful unless they are friable. A friable material can easily crumble and release fibers in the environment which can be very detrimental upon inhaling and swallowing.
Some serious asbestos-associated health concerns are reported that includes asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. If you got asbestos-containing material at your home, then you must take immediate action to remove it.
It is highly recommended to get this job done by a licensed asbestos removal company because professionals can handle and monitor this situation safely by following all the rules and protocols stated by the governments. Read the complete guide to know about how asbestos-containing material is detected, removed, and disposed.
Asbestos Inspection
If you suspect that any material in your house may contain asbestos then it’s better to stay away from that material and wait for the professionals to come and analyze the material
A certified professional will conduct a visual inspection of the site first for any possible dangers. After this, he will withdraw pieces of the questionable material and sent them to the lab for further testing. Lab technicians will examine to determine asbestos content in the sample.
If asbestos is detected in the sample, then the asbestos inspector will propose the next plan. The materials are encapsulated or entirely removed from the area.
Asbestos Removal
After analyzing the sample, asbestos abatement professionals may go for either encapsulation or abatement, depending on the condition. During an encapsulation, experts will cover the asbestos stuff with a sealant which will avoid the asbestos fibers from spreading in the air.
But if the damage is too serious, the materials must be completely removed. The asbestos removal process includes the following steps:
- Shut down HVAC units and seal vents to impede asbestos fibers from dispersing.
- Seal the whole affected area with plastic sheeting.
- Clear the working areas by using wet cleanup tools and HEPA filter vacuums.
- Place all the removed stuff from the area in a properly tagged, leak-tight container.
As health is the prime concern, the preparation must be proper and equipment must be used appropriately. All the workers must wear a full-face mask respirator and coveralls while removing asbestos-containing substances. After completion of the process, workers must stick to decontamination protocols. Like, they should shower and change in a neat room away from the worksite before changing into casual clothes.
After asbestos removal, experts can safely dispose of the toxic asbestos according to state and federal regulations.Asbestos Disposal
Once asbestos is removed, professionals carry the asbestos to a landfill authorized to collect the waste. Different governments and districts have their own policies for disposing of asbestos waste.
In many cases, an asbestos removal company should wet the asbestos-containing substance and envelop them in plastic before taking it to a disposal site. At the designated disposal area, packaged asbestos is dumped.
If protective gears of workers also got contaminated, they should be disposed of too. Otherwise, they should be washed adequately equipped facility.
