Asbestos – Everything You Need to Know
Asbestos derives from the Greek word meaning inextinguishable. It functions as an effective and affordable fire-retardant, normally found in home construction from the early 1940s. In recent discoveries, scientists have realized its deadly effects on humans. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can lead to lung disease. The fibers are abrasive and they damage the tissue of lungs.
Asbestos is most commonly found as a thermal insulation, but can unfortunately be discovered in:
- attic insulation
- vinyl floor
- glue adhering tile to concrete or wood
- window caulk & glazing
- roofing materials
- plaster
- some forms of paint
If asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are in your home or office, its presence is not hazardous. However, when demolition & construction become a factor, the fibers are released into the air. They can settle on your skin, clothing, & hair which act as a transport to, potentially, your friends & family becoming affected. When ACMs crumble easily, have been sanded, sawed, or scraped into a powder is when it becomes a health hazard.
Access Demolition & Environmental comes across most of its projects having ACM involved as a safety hazard. We hire a 3rd party Industrial Hygienist firm that collects samples, run tests, and performs a final air clearance to ensure overall safety of complete asbestos removal. We have trained & accredited asbestos professionals that will provide demolition ans ACM abatement services to the remodel of your commercial office building, restaurant, church, hospital, etc. Check out our Environmental Projects where we have completed ACM abatement.
Access Demolition & Environmental performs millions of dollars worth of contracts containing ACM removal & disposal every year. Please send all invitations to bid to estimating@accessdemolition.com when your commercial property need demolition, environmental services, or both.
To learn more of the benefits & harmful negatives of ACMs, please watch the following video.
Thank you to EPA.gov and ThisOldHouse.com for tips & facts related to ACM safety.