Asbestos
Asbestos is a silicate mineral extensively used in construction between the early 1940s and 1970s. Due to its remarkable fire-retardant properties and thermal insulation, asbestos found its way into a myriad of building materials, including ceilings, flooring, concrete, textiles, roofing materials, and more.
Unfortunately, evidence and data have emerged demonstrating the dangers of airborne release and subsequent inhalation of disturbed asbestos fibers. When inhaled, these microscopic fibers can embed themselves in lung tissue, causing severe health implications. The consequences of asbestos exposure are serious conditions such as lung cancer, asbestosis characterized by lung fibrosis, and cancer affecting the layer of tissue that covers internal organs, known as mesothelioma.
In addition to inhaling asbestos fibers, many other people have been exposed to it through drinking water. In homes, businesses, and other buildings built between the 1940s and 1970s, drinking water can become contaminated because it flows through asbestos cement water pipes. In 1989, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos. Although state and federal laws and regulations have outlawed the use of asbestos construction materials, many older structures still contain this dangerous substance.
Do you have asbestos in your home or building?
Asbestos presents a hidden danger that isn’t easily identifiable by the untrained eye. Unlike more obvious structural issues, the presence of the carcinogen within damaged asbestos-containing materials doesn’t often stand out. In many cases, asbestos isn’t identified until damage repair or renovation to an older structure is needed. As a result, it’s important to work with an asbestos expert.
Asbestos products must be professionally handled by an asbestos remediation contractor to protect indoor air quality. Breathe Easy Environmental stands out as a trusted partner in helping to remedy the presence of asbestos in residential or commercial properties. Our team of certified experts is well-versed in safe asbestos removal practices, offering peace of mind that any space will be free from this silent threat. If you think that your home or building might have asbestos, reach out to us today for remediation solutions.
What does asbestos remediation entail?
Asbestos remediation is the process of safely removing and managing asbestos-containing materials in buildings to minimize health risks associated with exposure to this harmful substance. Although state and federal laws have outlawed the use of asbestos construction materials, many older structures still contain this dangerous substance.
The remediation process involves a series of steps to identify areas with asbestos, followed by the careful removal and disposal of the materials. Specialized equipment and proper safety protocols are essential during remediation to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the air. When you contact Breathe Easy Environmental for asbestos abatement, our plan includes the following steps:
- Proper demarcation: We inspect the property thoroughly and clearly mark the hazardous area. We then prevent occupants from entering the area until completion.
- Prepping the work area: Air ducts are sealed, the HVAC system is disabled, and other areas are securely sealed off with plastic sheets and treated with air filtration.
- Removing material: Our highly trained specialists wear protective clothing and respirators to protect themselves and use hand tools and wet methods to remove or repair asbestos components. Removed asbestos is placed into waste disposal bags, sealed, and removed through a decontamination unit designed with a protective lining.
- HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuuming: Our teams use special HEPA filtration vacuums specifically designed for asbestos removal to minimize the dispersal of asbestos fibers during work and for cleaning surfaces.
- Final cleaning: After all asbestos in the work area has been remediated and all work area surfaces have been fully cleaned with wet methods and HEPA vacuuming, we conduct an inspection and clearance air sampling pursuant to state and federal requirements. Work area barriers and air filtration are not removed until the work area meets clearance criteria.
- Post-cleanup: After clearance criteria are achieved, our team removes the work area containment barriers and recleans the work area using the HEPA vacuum unit once again. You will receive a final report outlining waste shipment records, permits, site logs, copies of all licensing, and copies of inspection results and laboratory analysis. (These records must be kept for compliance with environmental regulations.)
Professional asbestos remediation is crucial due to the associated health risks. Expert remediation ensures the safety of individuals in both residential and commercial spaces. By entrusting the identification and removal process to our trained professionals, you can be confident that the asbestos will be effectively contained and disposed of according to strict regulations.
Working with Breathe Easy Environmental
Professional asbestos remediation is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy environment. If you suspect asbestos in your Colorado home or building, call Breathe Easy Environmental for possible solutions and a cost estimate. Our team of experienced asbestos specialists is dedicated to ensuring your safety and well-being and will be happy to answer your questions and walk you through the process.
While insurance typically does not cover the removal of asbestos, in certain cases where it has been released into the home or building due to a covered loss, some insurance policies may cover the costs of removal and remediation. We can help proactively address potential asbestos issues to safeguard your health and property effectively. Reach out to our Breathe Easy Environmental team today for peace of mind and effective solutions.
