Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is a component of numerous construction materials. It is made of thin and dense fibrous crystals that can resist fire and electricity and make it sturdy for use in building homes. However, there are serious health concerns associated with its usage. It can cause life-threatening diseases like kidney issues and mesothelioma, a rare form of stomach and lung cancer. Therefore, if you have asbestos-exposed in your home, you ought to be worried.
Asbestos is mainly found in old buildings. It is primarily used in wallboard, wall plasters, ceiling, floor tiles, and insulation material. It becomes risky for your health when its tiny fibers become airborne in your home. You can quickly inhale them without even knowing their presence in your surroundings.
According to construction experts, if materials are undamaged, you do not need to worry about asbestos exposure. But still, its presence is a health hazard because if the materials containing asbestos sustain damage during home renovation, its tiny fibers will quickly spread in the air. So, you must take measures to ensure that you do not have any damaged construction material in your home with asbestos. Here are few steps that will help you to remove asbestos from your home safely.
Step one: identify materials containing asbestos
If you’re experiencing signs of mesothelioma, you need to consult an oncologist. But you also need to identify items and materials that contain asbestos in your living space. A quick Google search can help you out with this step.
Asbestos is not visible to the naked eye, but you should be aware of the building materials that possess it. Such materials include plasters, caulking, concrete, roof shingles, mill boards, and sheetrock. According to a statistical study, sprayed asbestos material used for insulation contains around 14% of the asbestos quantity. In homes constructed before 1980, there is more risk of asbestos exposure. So, go over your home’s property details and work from there. Then identify every item, nook, and cranny that may contain the mineral. Take notes and prepare yourself for the next step.
Step two: Seek professional assistance
DO NOT begin to stuff containing the mineral on your own, especially if it’s related to the structure of your living space. Instead, contact and hire a professional company to do the job for you. While looking for professional assistance, you must ensure that the company is qualified to deal with asbestos abatement. A professional should safely look after the issue by taking proper measures to keep everyone safe from asbestos exposure. The removal of asbestos from your home can damage your property. But in the long run, it will keep you and your family safe from severe health issues.
Professional asbestos removers possess industry-grade protection gear, including full-body suits and respirator masks. It helps them to minimize asbestos exposure. After the removal, professionals will clean the area and dispose of asbestos safely. It can be hazardous if you try to remove the asbestos by yourself. If you take this risk, you will only increase the chances of putting your loved ones and yourself in a dangerous situation.
Step three: safe removal of asbestos
During the removal process, experts use sealant to coat the materials containing asbestos. It prevents fibers from spreading in the air. You need to remove the materials altogether if the damage is severe. It is essential to follow specific protocols. The first is to switch off seal vents and HVAC units to prevent the circulation of asbestos fibers. Then, seal the working area with plastic sheets and clean the space using HEPA filter vacuums and wet cleanup equipment. Lastly, all materials that are removed from the site should be kept in leak-tight containers.
Once the process is finished, it is essential to follow proper decontamination protocols. For example, workers should shower and change in a separate room away from the working area. Professionals should also adhere to the federal and state regulations to safely dispose of harmful materials.
Step four: safe disposal of asbestos
Professionals should take the materials to a landfill that is eligible to keep asbestos-containing waste. You should know about the protocols of your state or region to ensure proper disposal. Usually, the contractor looking after the asbestos abatement will wet the materials and put them in plastic packing before moving them to the dumpsite. The material is then buried underground to prevent microfibrils from becoming airborne again.
If you do not ensure proper disposal, the contractor and you may have to face legal repercussions. The penalty can be a long time in jail or a huge fine. In worst-case scenarios, you may even have to pay for someone else’s mesothelioma treatment down the road. Disposing of asbestos according to laws ensures public safety, so you have to keep all these factors in mind while going through the removal process.
Conclusion
Asbestos removal from your home is essential for your safety and your family members. It all starts with proper identification of the materials that contain asbestos in your home. Once the presence of such materials in your home is confirmed, you should look for a certified and experienced professional company to remove them from your space safely. You should also do a survey and get feedback from different resources before hiring a company for asbestos removal. Last but not least, be a responsible citizen and ensure that everything is disposed of correctly.
