Created on:
August 16, 2022
If you’ve heard of asbestos before, you most likely heard about how dangerous it can be. Asbestos is a naturally occurring material that has been used for many years in buildings and in construction. Although it’s a very effective fire resistant and insulation material, it can be incredibly toxic to humans. What are the dangers of asbestos? Where can you find it? And most importantly, how do you safely remove it from your home or business?
Asbestos fibers are incredibly small, so small that they cannot be seen without powerful magnification equipment. When materials containing asbestos are disturbed or damaged, they can release the microscopic fibers into the air. These fibers are then easily inhaled by anyone within the area. One of the most common and serious health effects of asbestos is cancer, specifically lung cancer and mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the chest cavity). Once the fibers have been inhaled into the body, they cannot be removed and the health effects aren’t noticed until later on in life.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been mined for centuries because of its unique properties as an insulator. It can withstand high temperatures without burning or crumbling easily. Before the 1980s, asbestos was commonly used in construction. When added to cloth, paper, plastic, or cement, asbestos also makes these materials stronger. You will most commonly find asbestos in:
If your residential or commercial property was built before the 1980s, there’s a chance that you have asbestos containing materials present. Because of the toxicity, asbestos should only be handled by trained, experienced, and certified professionals, such as Alliance Environment Systems! Our team is highly trained and experienced in commercial asbestos abatement.
Asbestos is a hazardous material, and it is important that you call a company that knows how to detect and handle it safely. Hiring a certified abatement company is the best way to ensure proper removal of asbestos from your property. Attempting to remove materials containing the mineral from your property on your own can lead to dangerous exposure to you and others on your property. The handling and disposing of asbestos is highly regulated and can be incredibly difficult to handle without the proper training.
If you suspect that there may be asbestos in your home or business, it's best to contact professionals who have experience in handling these types of situations before taking any further action on your own.
You can find more information about how to locate a reputable contractor on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health website (NIOSH), which offers information on state licensing laws and lists of certified contractors who provide abatement services.
To keep yourself and others safe, call Alliance Environmental Systems for all your asbestos abatement needs today! We are licensed contractors and certified in asbestos abatement.
Finding asbestos on your property is a property owner's worst nightmare. Although many attempt to remove this toxic mineral on their own, it is a huge health risk for yourself and others on your property. When it comes to asbestos, it is always better to play it safe. If you have any questions regarding asbestos abatement, give our Alliance Environmental Systems team a call today!
