Do you suspect that an older structure your company owns may have materials made with asbestos? Trying to remove them yourself can disturb the fibers, releasing them into the air and increasing the chance that you or your crew or loved ones can inhale them. These fibers penetrate the lungs that lead to mesothelioma, lung illnesses, and cancers.
You should NEVER try to remediate asbestos on your own or have your employees do it. You need professionals to perform this work for you.
In today’s blog, Environmental Demolition Group, explains what items may contain asbestos, why you shouldn’t disturb potential structures or elements that may contain asbestos, and offers options for removal.
The History of Asbestos
If you thought asbestos was an invention of the 20th century used only in construction, you are wrong. According to Asbestos.com, asbestos is actually a naturally occurring substance that has been found throughout history, including in the mummies of Ancient Egypt and candle wicks from the Stone Age.
It has been used as a fire retardant and insulator. Unfortunately, ancient text reveals that Egyptian slaves suffered from a ‘sickness of the lungs’. These slaves were often more exposed to the asbestos fibers in their daily work than free citizens. Since that time, many civilizations who incorporated asbestos into their lives reported lung problems and illnesses. The first death from asbestos exposure was officially reported in London in 1906.
It was during the Industrial Revolution that asbestos materials were used as a traditional material in all buildings in an effort to protect structures, and their inhabitants, from fire.
Identifying Products With Asbestos
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there is no definitive way to determine if a material like flooring, ceiling tiles, siding or insulation contains asbestos. If your structure was built prior to 1970, and has not had any major demolition or remodeling, it may contain asbestos. If you have any suspicion, the first thing you should do is contact an Asbestos Remediation Specialist like those at the Environment Demolition Group.
Common structures in buildings that contain asbestos fibers include:
- Adhesives used for roofing materials
- Insulation in everything: wires, pipes, lights, walls, ceilings, floors
- Glue for flooring and ceiling tiles
- Adhesives used for siding
- Textured coatings like the popcorn-style ceilings
- Sprayed coatings on ceilings, walls, beams, and columns
Get It Removed!
While you may not be able to identify asbestos-containing materials, remediation specialists can. And once those areas are identified, the specialists have a strict protocol on how to safely remove and dispose of the harmful materials.
Specialists will seal off the area and use protective gear before entering. The asbestos will be removed safely and disposed of properly, reducing any contamination into the earth or air while protecting your building and future occupants.
Asbestos Removal by Environmental Demolition Group
Environmental Demolition Group is your leader for comprehensive, single-source solutions to specialty contracting for the most complex environmental and demolition project challenges. Serving all major business sectors and industries, EDG is the premier contractor. If you think you might have asbestos in your commercial building, do not try to remove it yourself. Instead, contact us today. We can give you a free consultation. 859-363-4863.
