Once widely used throughout the United States, asbestos is a mineral fiber that can still be found in many homes and commercial buildings built prior to the 1980s. While this building material provides excellent insulation and fire resistance, it can also cause a range of serious health issues, including mesothelioma and cancer.
The dangers associated with asbestos mean that it is best handled by a professional asbestos abatement company. When handled, asbestos-containing products can release dust and microscopic fibers that are very easily inhaled. Asbestos abatement involves identifying the material and properly removing and encapsulating it so that toxic dust and fibers are not released into areas where they can be inhaled.
During the asbestos abatement process, workers use negative air pressure units, decontamination enclosures, and HEPA vacuums to keep asbestos from becoming airborne. Any asbestos-containing waste is moistened and placed in sealed, leak-tight containers before being labeled and transported to qualified landfills with measures in place for properly securing the toxic material.
Those who believe that their homes or commercial properties may contain asbestos should never begin any type of construction or renovation before reaching out to an asbestos-abatement company. A qualified team of professionals can conduct a thorough property inspection and, if needed, provide complete removal of any asbestos-containing material.
