Reasons to Consider Home or Business Asbestos Removal

Microscopic in nature, asbestos fibers are durable and highly resistant to fire and other types of damage. This is why this material was used in homes and businesses for decades. Unfortunately, asbestos also poses several well-documented health risks. It has also been linked to mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer that can affect linings in the heart, lungs, and abdomen. This is just of the several reasons to consider residential or commercial asbestos abatement, a process best left to companies like e.h.c. Associates with the skills and resources necessary to safely handle asbestos removal.

Your Home Was Built Before 1975

From the early 1940s through the 1970s, asbestos was widely used in home construction. If you have a home that was built during this period, it may have asbestos in some places you may not think to look. You may know that asbestos was commonly used in blown-in attic insulation, but there are many other potential sources of asbestos in an older home, including ones that have been updated several times since the seventies. In many instances, it’s hidden or forgotten sources of asbestos that can be a potential health hazard. Some of these often-overlooked sources of residential asbestos include:

• Vinyl floor tiles
• Some forms of linoleum
• Glue that was used on your wood flooring
• Duct insulation used in HVAC systems
• Plaster
• Siding and roofing materials
• Window caulking and glazing

Your Ceilings Were Installed Before 1978

In 1977, the use of asbestos in textured ceiling paint was banned in the United States. Even if your ceilings have been updated or painted numerous times since then, you may have ceilings in your business that contain some form of asbestos. This is especially true if your older ceilings were simply covered up with a new one. Just because the older ceiling that has asbestos is out of sight, doesn’t mean fibers and harmful particles aren’t still making their way into your ductwork and into the air that’s breathed by anyone in your home or business.

You Have Older Commercial Buildings That May Have ‘Hidden’ Asbestos

Until the 1970s, asbestos was widely used in commercial construction. You may still have some lingering sources of asbestos in your commercial spaces. If your commercial buildings were constructed between the 1940s and early 1970s, possible sources of asbestos include:

• Cement pipes and pipe coverings
• Corrosive chemical containers
• Roofing products, including sealants and coatings
• Boilers and heating vessels
• Older laboratory furniture
• Conduits for electrical wiring

Asbestos Health Risks

The simple presence of asbestos in your home is not necessarily hazardous. Generally, materials that are still in good condition won’t release asbestos fibers or particles into the air. In some cases, disturbing these materials will create a hazard that didn’t previously exist. It’s when sources of asbestos are damaged or worn that it’s time to consider asbestos abatement. In addition to mesothelioma, there are other possible health risks associated with exposure to asbestos fibers, including:

• Scarring in the lungs (asbestosis)
• Non-cancerous lung conditions like pleural disease
• Lung cancer
• Reduced immune system functioning
• Respiratory ailments

Risks of DIY Asbestos Removal

Whether you’ve recently spotted signs of worn or damaged asbestos materials or you’re in the process of planning a major renovation, there are many reasons why you need to remove asbestos. But doing the job yourself can present additional risks, such as unintentional exposure to dangerous fibers and accidentally causing asbestos particles to spread.

Professionals from e.h.c. Associates have the equipment and skills required to safely remove asbestos wherever it may be located in your home or business. Our asbestos removal service includes safe removal and follow-up testing to ensure there are no lingering fibers or particles in your interior spaces.

Testing for Asbestos

The first step in any asbestos-related projects is to determine if there are actually asbestos materials in your home or business. The most effective way to do this is with asbestos testing. Sample analysis and air monitoring are the most common forms of testing for the presence of asbestos. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends polarized light microscopy as the preferred test method for identifying asbestos in building materials. It’s a process that involves isolating fibers from a sample. When it’s time for asbestos abatement based on test results, we can help with documentation and other steps required to properly remove ACMs (asbestos containing materials).

If you think you might have asbestos in your living spaces or work areas in Lancaster County or the Philadelphia area, the team at e.h.c. Associates can help. We provide comprehensive asbestos removal service that includes asbestos testing and complete removal. We’re also at your service if you’re experiencing issues with lead paint, mold, and other problems that may be affecting your home or business. Contact us today to learn more about our services.