Asbestos is a fibrous mineral widely used in construction materials during the 20th century due to its excellent resistance to heat and fire. However, decades later, we discovered that prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers could cause serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. For this reason, asbestos must be removed from any structure before renovations or demolitions.
1. Identifying Asbestos:
The first step in asbestos removal is identifying the material that contains the mineral. It is important to note that asbestos could be present in various construction products, such as floor tiles, insulation, roofing, paint, and pipes. However, visual inspection is not enough to determine the presence of asbestos, as many other materials look similar. Thus, professional asbestos inspectors use air sampling techniques and laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of asbestos before starting the removal process.
2. Testing Asbestos:
Once confirmed, the inspector will test the asbestos to determine whether it is friable or non-friable. Friable asbestos easily crumbles and releases fibers into the air, while non-friable asbestos is tightly bound and poses minimal risks. The type of asbestos will determine the removal procedure. Suppose the asbestos is discovered to be non-friable. In that case, the removal process may consist of leaving the material in place but encapsulating it with a sealant to prevent the release of the fibers. If the asbestos is friable, then it must be removed entirely.
3. Asbestos Removal Procedures:
Professional asbestos removal contractors are highly trained and licensed to handle asbestos safely. They will first contain the area with plastic sheeting and negative air pressure to prevent the spread of fibers into other parts of the building. Then, the workers will wet the asbestos-containing material to minimize dust and remove it from the structure. All asbestos waste must be disposed of following strict rules and regulations to prevent contamination or harm to others.
4. Cleanup and Testing:
After removing the asbestos-containing material, the area will be cleaned and decontaminated thoroughly. The contractors will use specialized equipment to clean the area of any residual asbestos fibers. The area will be tested again to ensure no fibers are present. Only after a "clean bill of health" is given can the area be released and considered safe for re-occupation.
Warwick Black Mold Removal & Asbestos Abatement
If you're in Warwick, RI, and suspect that your property contains asbestos, don't hesitate to contact Single Source Disaster Recovery Specialists. We are certified asbestos removal contractors with years of experience in the industry. We can provide a thorough inspection, professional testing, and safe, legal removal of asbestos materials. Contact us today at (855) 528-0304 for a free quote, and let us help you ensure the safety of your home or business.