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August 2020

Materials being burned outside

Burning and Removing Asbestos Is Illegal. Hire a Professional!

By Asbestos Information, Asbestos RegulationsNo Comments

Asbestos is a very hazardous material that requires laws and regulations protecting workers in the United States. Commercial properties must adhere to more regulations than residential properties, but even residential properties have laws surrounding asbestos removal. Below, we will discuss asbestos removal, burning, demolition. 

Asbestos Demolition

Commercial properties must be tested for asbestos prior to demolition. This is to ensure everyone is protected from asbestos exposure. During the demolition of buildings, debris and dust can easily float through the air and travel, exposing people without their knowledge. If a building has asbestos, it will need to be removed by asbestos abatement professionals who can remove and dispose of it safely and legally.

Asbestos Removal

Removal of asbestos is illegal for those without the proper credentials. Asbestos abatement companies have special licenses and certifications to remove and dispose of asbestos. If you do not have the appropriate licenses, you can be fined for removing asbestos. It is important always to hire a professional to remove asbestos from homes and businesses, as asbestos exposure can cause cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Asbestos Burning

Some people who do remodels decide to burn their debris instead of hiring someone to remove it. While this is legal in some areas, there is a risk of asbestos exposure through burning. If any debris contains asbestos fibers, the burning process can allow asbestos fibers to enter the outdoor air and enter your neighbor’s homes, affecting them in the process.

Before doing any home remodels, demolition projects, or burning debris, check local laws, and have your property tested for asbestos. Asbestos testing is a simple but thorough process that could save the lives of many people in the area. Asbestos testing should be completed by a licensed asbestos removal specialist to ensure the accuracy of the results.

Doctor examining an xray

Mesothelioma – 5 Things You Need to Know!

By Asbestos Related Illness InfoNo Comments

Mesothelioma is in commercials and on ads all over the media, but what are some things you really need to know? You hear and see things about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, but you never get essential information. Asbestos Abatement Services has the knowledge you need to know about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure. Below, we will discuss five important things you need to know!

Mesothelioma Is Only Caused by Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a known carcinogen and causes lung cancer and mesothelioma. However, mesothelioma is the only cancer that is only caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma was once only seen by people who worked in industries where asbestos exposure was common. Today, we see it from asbestos exposure in homes, businesses, and jobs.

Mesothelioma Is an Aggressive Cancer

Mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive cancer. Once asbestos exposure occurs, it can take decades before mesothelioma begins to cause symptoms. Once symptoms start, and diagnosis happens, the cancer begins to grow rapidly. There are several options for treatment, and many people react well to treatments.

Mesothelioma Usually Affects the Lungs

Mesothelioma usually attacks the pleural lining of the lungs. Most asbestos exposure occurs from breathing in asbestos fibers, where it enters your lungs and becomes lodged. With the lungs affected, respiratory illnesses are common.

Mesothelioma Has Warning Signs

There are several warning signs of mesothelioma that you should be aware of, primarily if you have worked in jobs around asbestos. Some of the common warning signs are:

  • Chest, Back, or Abdominal Pain
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Swallowing Problems
  • Coughing 
  • Fluid around the Lungs or in the Abdomen
  • Mesothelioma Affects People of All Ages

Mesothelioma was once known as an old person disease, but times have changed. Today, we are seeing younger people affected. Some children have even been diagnosed with mesothelioma from asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is a real danger and can affect people of all ages.

The best way to avoid asbestos exposure and mesothelioma are to become knowledgeable about asbestos. It is also important to have your home or business inspected and tested for asbestos.

Large modern sunny office

Asbestos Exposure – Why Is It So Dangerous?

By Asbestos ExposureNo Comments

Asbestos Is a naturally occurring mineral, but it is highly hazardous and can cause significant illnesses. In nature, not many people encounter asbestos, unless they are mining, but asbestos has been used in construction materials for decades. Asbestos exposure has been documented for centuries and only recently became a hot topic with laws and regulations being enacted. Asbestos is not banned entirely in the United States, meaning some items sill contain trace amounts. Unfortunately, trace amounts can cause asbestos exposure and severe illnesses.

How Does Asbestos Exposure Occur?

Asbestos was used in a variety of different construction materials, and many older homes and businesses have asbestos-containing materials on their properties. Asbestos is mostly safe until it becomes worn and is disturbed through a remodel or even damages to the property. Once that occurs, the asbestos fibers become hazardous and can enter your body through your mouth or nose. Asbestos fibers cannot be seen, and they can float in the air, exposing everyone in your home or business. Once the asbestos enters your body, it becomes lodged in lung tissue or your stomach. Exposure does not show any symptoms at the beginning of the exposure. Asbestos will sit in your body, slowly damaging your lungs and causing cancers, such as mesothelioma.

Why Is It Dangerous?

The reason asbestos is so dangerous is that it cannot be easily seen and does not show immediate symptoms. This makes it exceedingly difficult to know if you have been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is essential, a silent killer. Asbestos causes lung cancer, mesothelioma, and severe respiratory distress.

The safest way to avoid asbestos exposure is through knowledge and asbestos testing. Asbestos testing is completed through an asbestos abatement company. Samples of materials are taken and sent to a lab for results. This is the only way to ensure your home or business is free from asbestos and that you will not experience asbestos exposure on your property!

Removal of popcorn ceiling

Asbestos and The Common Places It May Be on Your Property!

By Asbestos in the homeNo Comments

Asbestos was used frequently in homes and businesses until the late 80s and early 90s. Unfortunately, asbestos is not banned in the United States and is still being found in newer properties. Home and business owners must know where asbestos could be hiding. Asbestos-containing materials can be found throughout homes and businesses, on the interior and the exterior. Below, we will discuss the everyday places we find asbestos.

Insulation

Insulation is the number one material that was made with asbestos. Asbestos is heat resistant and exceptionally durable. This makes asbestos perfect for insulation. Asbestos was used for years in insulation, and we are still finding homes and businesses that have copious amounts of asbestos-containing insulation.

Tiles and Flooring

As we mentioned above, asbestos is a durable fiber. Flooring experiences a lot of traffic, and your flooring and tile needs to be durable, so asbestos was great. Older flooring may contain asbestos, so you should never attempt to remove it yourself.

Roofs

Roofing shingles are exposed to the sun, rain, snow, and other elements each day. Asbestos, being heat resistant and durable, made it perfect for bonding roofing shingles together. If you have an older roof, it could have asbestos, making you at risk for asbestos exposure.

Textured Walls and Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings and textured walls were originally completed using asbestos. While this practice is not used anymore, it would be wise to have any textured areas of your home or business tested.

Drywall

Drywall is used throughout your home or business and may contain asbestos. Asbestos was common as a bonding agent for drywall.

Older homes and businesses are at a greater risk of having asbestos, but we see newer properties containing asbestos. As a property owner, it is wise to have your home tested for asbestos. It not only shows your home or business is safe for future remodels, but it also ensures the safety of anyone entering your property!