Asbestos is a natural mineral that used to be used in some building materials. For the most part, asbestos is no longer used because of its dangerous health hazards. Asbestos abatement is the process of identifying, removing, and properly disposing of the asbestos. It is extremely important to hire a professional asbestos abatement company that has experience in carefully and properly identifying and removing asbestos.
The Importance of Asbestos Abatement
Asbestos abatement is important because if asbestos is not removed properly, it can cause serious health risks. The reason asbestos can be so dangerous is because of its thin, microscopic, and flexible fibers. These microscopic fibers can become easily airborne. Once airborne, they are easily inhaled. Due to how small these fibers are, they can easily enter the lungs. Once inside the lungs, illnesses like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma can occur.
What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos
The first thing you need to do is call a professional asbestos abatement company. While you wait for the professionals to abate the asbestos, be sure you do not allow kids or pets in the area. No one should be in the area of asbestos if not absolutely necessary. Don’t do anything to disrupt the asbestos like sweep or vacuum.
The Asbestos Abatement Process
There are many steps in the asbestos abatement process. Some key important steps are:
- Disabling the HVAC and electrical systems
- Installing a decontamination enclosure
- Covering surfaces with plastic that don’t need abatement
- Cleaning with a HEPA vacuum
- Placing asbestos waste in air-tight containers while still wet
- Taking the sealed asbestos to approved landfills
For more information about asbestos abatement, please give us a call at Double D Construction Services, Inc.