We have all heard of the mineral known as asbestos, but few people truly comprehend it. Is there any risk? Where is it located? Maintaining a safe workplace and shielding you and your workers from disease or liability requires knowledge of the potential sources of asbestos exposure and what to do if you uncover one. So, to find out the asbestos, asbestos inspection and asbestos testing become necessary. Asbestos removal contractors are the right point to contact for asbestos inspection and asbestos testing.
Here is the Definition of asbestos?
Six separate fibrous materials still currently utilized in the production of buildings and goods are referred together as asbestos. The source of origin is rock and soil. Asbestos offers qualities including flexibility, high tensile strength. Today, asbestos is employed in a wide range of things, including machine gaskets and roofing materials, due to its poor electrical conductivity and chemical and thermal stability.
Primary Sources of Asbestos
The following are the most typical sources of asbestos in older and occasionally new structures because asbestos was a common substance used in many more items before the 1970s:
- Acoustical sprays
- Steel beams with fireproofing sprayed on them
- Roof mastic
- HVAC pipe insulation
- Drywall joint compound and skim coat
- Black mastic behind mirrors and VCT tiles
- Heat protective pads
- Lab furniture
Is Asbestos Dangerous?
Because asbestos is a mined substance, if any of its particles go up in the air, they can easily be inhaled and end up in the lungs, where they can build up scar tissue and cause disease or even death. Inhaling asbestos fibers is also a risk factor for mesothelioma and certain lung malignancies. The use, transport, and removal of asbestos are heavily controlled in the United States due to the numerous health issues it has been shown to cause.
The Activities That Increase the Risk of Asbestos Exposure
These are the most common employment tasks that organizations should be aware of, even if you can come in close contact with asbestos in a number of settings. The production of asbestos-containing products is the most frequent, and most job sites take the necessary safeguards to protect their workers as mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Below operations can frequently lead to asbestos discovery or disturbance without knowledge:
- Building tear-down
- Building renovations
- Clean up after a flood, storm, fire or any other natural disaster
Be Aware Before Stating Any Renovation Project
Ask someone for asbestos inspection and asbestos testing before beginning any remodeling, repair, or restoration work that would include cutting into, removing, or upsetting building components, especially if the building was constructed or improved before the 1980s. However, asbestos may still be present in vinyl flooring and roofing materials, even if your structure is brand-new. Ask a good asbestos removal contractor, who is able to do asbestos inspection, to come and perform asbestos testing.
Dealing with asbestos can be a burdensome task as well as a safety risk. Give the difficult aspect of the task to an ideal asbestos removal contractor who is familiar with asbestos and the risks associated with it to avoid lawsuits, illness, and years and years of headaches.
