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May 2021

Dumpster full of demolition debris

Asbestos Demolition Services

By Hazardous Materials Information, Household InfoNo Comments

When it comes to demolition processes, especially for commercial properties, the rules become more strict. Commercial properties have specific rules and regulations that they must follow when starting a demolition process. Demolition of older buildings is quite common as companies want to build newer and more innovative buildings. With demolition and rebuilding usually comes more revenue for the states. As older buildings become new again, you see an increase in interest. While this is a great thing, commercial property demolition can be a headache for the demolition and construction teams.

Older buildings must be analyzed for asbestos before demolition can occur. If the test says the company has asbestos, an asbestos contractor will need to be a part of the demolition process. With the specific rules and regulations in place for asbestos-containing property demolition, the process can take longer. The demolition process for asbestos-containing buildings is a lot different. Instead of breaking down the old structure, more care will need to be taken.

The asbestos abatement contractor will devise a plan to begin removing the areas that contain asbestos first. This process can take time, as the areas will need to be sealed, and the asbestos abatement team will wear respirators and special clothing to enter the areas. Once inside, they will begin to remove the asbestos-containing materials. Once the materials are removed, they will carefully seal the asbestos for safe disposal from the building. This process will be completed over and over until all asbestos has been removed from the property. Asbestos demolition is completed so that no one is exposed to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can float throughout the air and can affect people in the general vicinity. Controlled demolitions still release particles into the air, floating to neighboring homes and businesses, exposing innocent people. If you are in need of asbestos demolition, always contact a certified asbestos abatement contractor for the safe removal and disposal of asbestos from the commercial property.

Home inspector writing on clipboard

Asbestos Testing For New Properties – Is It Necessary?

By Household InfoNo Comments

Purchasing a new property that has been built specifically for you can be one of the more major milestones in your life. People dream of building their dream home or purchasing a freshly built property. It is an exciting time in your life. You are purchasing something that only you have lived in, but all the excitement can come dangers. While you would not think a freshly built home could contain asbestos, you are wrong. Asbestos is still being found in new homes across the United States. While there are strict regulations in place, asbestos is still finding its way into construction materials. All asbestos has not been entirely banned in the United States. Imported goods are still coming in with trace amounts of asbestos. While small amounts may not seem like a huge deal or a deal-breaker, it is!

Shockingly, it only takes one fiber to enter your nose or mouth. One asbestos fiber can cause you severe illnesses for years to come. Asbestos is highly hazardous and can cause cancer. If you are purchasing a new build property, it is important to have an asbestos test completed. An asbestos inspection and test will ensure your home is truly free of asbestos fibers. If your home doesn’t have asbestos fibers, you can go on with your life, knowing you and your family are not a risk of asbestos exposure. If your test comes back that asbestos is in the home, you can have it removed before you expose your entire family to the hazardous fiber.

Asbestos removal is being seen more and more in newer homes. More people are realizing the dangers of asbestos and having their homes tested. This simple asbestos test is saving the lives of thousands each year. If your new home is ready for you to move it, wait an extra few days and have an asbestos inspection completed. It is a simple yet thorough test that will give you peace of mind that you are protecting your family at all costs!

Two house painters in hazmat suits removing lead paint from an old house

Lead Abatement – Why Is Lead So Dangerous?

By Hazardous Materials Information, Household InfoNo Comments

Lead is naturally occurring around the world, which shouldn’t make it a danger. Wrong! Many naturally occurring materials are hazardous. Asbestos and lead are both naturally occurring and very dangerous if you are exposed. Lead was used in paint for decades. Over time people realized that lead poisoning was a thing, and that lead was actually very hazardous to your health. Once this was discovered, lead was removed from paint and banned for use. Today, we are still finding homes that have lead paint in them. Below, we will discuss why we see lead paint in homes that have been remodeled and why it is so dangerous!

Lead Paint

Lead paint was just one of many parts that make up the paint in homes. However, it was the most dangerous. Lead paint can cause lead poisoning, especially in the elderly, young adults, and pregnant women. Once lead paint was banned, it was not really removed from homes. A home that had lead paint would eventually receive a remodel, which would lead to someone putting a fresh coat of paint over the existing coat. This only sealed the lead into the home. Lead is still a danger, even if covered by a fresh coat of paint. This is why we see many renovated homes still containing lead paint.

Why is Lead Paint So Dangerous?

Lead poisoning caused a wide array of symptoms for the elderly, children, and pregnant women. It is so dangerous that it can cause a coma or even death if the exposure levels are high. Luckily, there are tests that can be administered to check for lead paint in the home. These tests are relatively simple, and you receive the results quickly. Lead poisoning can cause many symptoms, but some of the main ones include:
• Cognitive Issues
• Behavioral Problems
• Swelling
• Abdominal Pain
• GI Issues
• Heart Problems

As you can see, lead poisoning is very hazardous to your health. If your property has lead, it is best to have it removed by a professional lead abatement company.

Open faucet and washbasin

Asbestos and Lead – A Deadly Duo!

By Asbestos Information, Hazardous Materials Information, Household InfoNo Comments

Asbestos and lead are a duo of the more toxic hazardous materials that you will find on your property. The main reason being they cannot be seen by the unaided eye. You cannot physically see the dangers, which puts you at a higher risk. If you can see something harming you, you are more likely to have that material removed. Asbestos and lead are both silent killers because you may not know you or your family is being exposed until you develop symptoms or have the home tested.

Asbestos Testing

As we stated above, asbestos cannot be seen, making it even more deadly. Asbestos fibers can spread throughout your home, putting your entire family at risk. You can unknowingly expose everyone in the home through remodels. The only way to know for sure if your home asbestos-containing materials are through asbestos testing. An asbestos test is highly accurate, as samples are taken from different areas of your home. Once gathered, they will be tested at a lab. If your home has asbestos, it will need to be removed as soon as possible, as asbestos exposure is linked to cancers such as mesothelioma, severe respiratory illnesses, and even death.

Lead Testing

Lead poisoning is usually not a concern for the regular healthy adult. Lead poisoning generally affects young children, the elderly, and pregnant women. Lead paint was used for years in homes across the United States until it was found to cause severe illnesses. If your home is older, it is a wise decision to have it tested for lead. Lead paint can lead to behavioral problems, cognitive issues, comas, and even death. If you have or may have any of the above at-risk people in your home, a simple test can ease your mind and know your family is protected.