What A Business Owner Should Know About Asbestos

Asbestos consists of some of the most dangerous fibrous minerals that can be found in a building structure, such as chrysotile and amosite. What makes the fibrous minerals dangerous is that they are able to cause various types of lung cancer, such as Mesothelioma. Someone can be exposed to asbestos and not show symptoms of having cancer until years later when the effects that it has on the lungs begin to show more, such as shortness of breath and a cough that doesn't go away. Due to the dangers of asbestos, it is important to make sure it isn't present in your building before any renovations are done. Asbestos must be removed before your building is renovated and it is wise to hire an abatement specialist to handle the task for safety reasons.

Where Asbestos is Commonly Found

There are numerous materials in which asbestos can be found in a building, especially if you own an old structure. Materials that you might not think are harmful can be highly dangerous to remove, such as certain types of floor tiles. Various types of insulation materials can contain asbestos as well, such as the types that are sometimes used in hot water pipes and air ducts. If the ceilings in your building are designed to look like popcorn or other textures, there is the possibility that asbestos is present. An asbestos specialist will know about all of the materials that can possibly contain asbestos, which is why you should rely on his or her expertise for your safety.

Friable & Non-Friable Asbestos

There are certain types of asbestos that are more dangerous to handle than others, such as when it comes to it being friable or non-friable. Basically, the most dangerous type is friable, which is easier to be released into the air when it is disturbed. For example, if you remove ceilings that contain friable asbestos, a lot of powder that contains the dangerous fibers will drift around the air. Once the fibers are in the air, they are easy to inhale by getting into your nose or your mouth. Non-friable asbestos isn't as powdery and can be handled with less caution.

Asbestos Testing & Removal from a Building

A contractor can visit your building to obtain a sample of all of the materials that might possibly contain asbestos. The materials will be tested in a lab to find out if they are unsafe or not. If asbestos is found, you can get the asbestos professionally removed. Basically, one or more contractors will wear safety gear and special techniques to remove the asbestos. 

To learn more information, reach out to a commercial asbestos removal company near you. 


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