What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has thin and dense fibers. It is an insulator of heat and electricity and was earlier used in residential construction. Asbestos is a dangerous material and can cause many diseases and problems. Since the fibers in asbestos are very tiny, they can be inhaled easily and lead to breathing problems.
Contact with asbestos can affect one’s throat and lungs and cause problems with the respiratory system. This is why professionals should handle asbestos removal Vancouver. They can follow the safety guidelines pertaining to the removal and disposal of asbestos.
When to hire an Asbestos removal company?
To prevent asbestos exposure, it is important to handle it carefully. If an expert does not deal with it, the thin asbestos fibers can become airborne and affect anyone. It can cause dangerous diseases like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Therefore, it is best to call a professional while handling old appliances or while demolishing or renovating an old building if one suspects that asbestos might be present. They can conduct inspections and remove any materials that contain asbestos safely.
How to Identify Materials that may have Asbestos?
Asbestos used to be incorporated into materials used in the construction and automotive industry due to its durability and insulating properties. It was used in many buildings as an insulator to heat and fire. Its use diminished when it was discovered that buildings constructed with materials containing asbestos would break easily.
Asbestos can be found anywhere inside a house, like floor tiles, walls, and ceilings. It can be in gaps or cracks, old appliances, basements, and attics. Concrete, plaster, and wiring can also have asbestos. Its fibers are not easily visible, so it is important to know where asbestos can be found in a house.
How to Handle and Remove Asbestos?
It is best to let trained professionals handle and remove asbestos, such as asbestos abatement Vancouver. Certain laws have to be followed while dealing with asbestos. Thus, certified professionals to carry out the removal of asbestos should do so.
Asbestos Testing and Mitigation
Homeowners and building owners should treat any potential asbestos-containing material as dangerous. Individuals should not touch the materials and avoid the area until an inspector can test them. First, an inspection is made of the area to see if it is particularly hazardous. Then, the materials suspected of having asbestos are removed and tested in labs. If the materials reveal to contain asbestos after testing, then the next steps are taken to remove them from the area.
All the necessary steps prevent the asbestos fibers from becoming airborne. This includes sealing the materials and the work area, shutting any vents, using masks and protective gear, and decontaminating the workspace. After removing asbestos, the materials have to be disposed of safely. Since asbestos is carcinogenic, it requires special care while disposing of it. It is very important not to dump asbestos in improper places since it will expose others to diseases. Besides disposal in landfills, asbestos can also be recycled and made non-hazardous.
