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Asbestos Information

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Why is it Important to Safely Remove Asbestos from Your Office?

By Asbestos Information, Hazardous Materials Information, Service InformationNo Comments

Do you own or work out of an office building before the 1980s? If you answered yes, then there may be a high chance that your office contains asbestos. Asbestos is a vital, heat-resistant mineral used in construction for many years.

Asbestos removal is necessary because exposure to the material can cause serious health problems. If you think that your office may contain asbestos, you should have it tested by a professional asbestos testing service.

Reasons to Ensure Safe Removal of Asbestos from Commercial Buildings

Asbestos removal is not a DIY task

When disturbed, asbestos releases toxic fibers into the air. The fibers are so tiny and can be inhaled and trapped in the lungs, thus causing severe health issues like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. 

The removal process is complex

Asbestos removal is not an easy procedure. It demands the use of special tools and safety gear. Thus, it is best to leave asbestos removal to professionals.

Safe removal assures employees and customers of their well-being

As a business owner, you have a responsibility to ensure the safety of your employees and customers. If your office contains asbestos, you are putting them at risk of exposure. You may be liable if someone falls ill because of asbestos exposure.

Renovation after removal

You must update working spaces, retail stores, warehouses, and other commercial buildings to keep up with the changing times, enhance productivity, accommodate business growth, and so on. However, renovating the building before asbestos testing and removal can put people at risk.

To avoid health hazards and legal issues, having asbestos removed from your office is essential before you consider refurbishing it.

Does your office contain asbestos? Talk to the experts from Asbestos Abatement Services in Salt Lake City, UT!

Asbestos Abatement Services is a licensed asbestos removal company with years of experience safely removing asbestos from residential and commercial buildings. If you are moving into an old office or are planning to renovate your existing one, we can help you test for asbestos and remove it safely.

Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Lab Technician Handling an Asbestos Sample

Understanding the Dangers of Asbestos in Homes

By Asbestos in the home, Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Salt Lake City, UT, homes built before the early 1980s may contain asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that was once used in various building materials because it is durable, fire resistant, and an excellent insulator. Known as a human carcinogen, asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other serious health problems. It is essential to be aware of the dangers and take steps to protect yourself and your family.

Where Is Asbestos Found?

Asbestos was widely used in the industrial, construction, and military fields because of its resistance to heat, electricity, and chemical damage. Some of the common asbestos products used in residential and commercial properties include:
1) Insulation
2) Flooring
3) Roofing
4) Siding
5) Pipe Covering
6) Brake pads and linings
7) Clutches
8) Fireproofing materials

What Are the Hazards of Asbestos?

1) Cancers: Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, cancer affecting the thin membrane that covers most of your internal organs. It’s also been linked to lung, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and ovarian cancers.
2) Asbestosis: This lung disease is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing.
3) Pleural Effusion: This is a condition in which fluid accumulates around the lungs. It will cause difficulty breathing and chest pain.
4) Pleural Plaques: These are areas of fibrous tissue that form on the pleura (the membrane around the lungs). They are usually benign (non-cancerous) but can cause severe chest pain.

How Does Asbestos Testing Work?

Visual Inspection: This method of asbestos inspection is recommended for visibly damaged or deteriorated materials, as asbestos fibers may not be visible to the naked eye.

Sample Analysis: This method involves taking a sample of the material in question and sending it to a lab for analysis. The most common type of sample analysis is called polarized light microscopy (PLM).
Surveillance: This method uses special equipment to scan the area for asbestos fibers. The two most common types of surveillance are transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Asbestos exposure can be hazardous—even lethal—which is why it’s so important to have your home inspected for asbestos if you suspect it may contain this material. Please contact Asbestos Abatement Services today if you live in the Salt Lake City area and need an asbestos removal service. With our family and pet-friendly services, you protect yourself and your family from the dangers of asbestos exposure.

Insulation lining the roof of a residential attic

Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACM) and Demolition: What You Need to Know

By Asbestos Information, Asbestos RegulationsNo Comments

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral used in various commercial and industrial products because of its resistance to heat, fire, and many chemicals. ACM can be found in insulation materials, construction materials, brake pads, some floor tiles and adhesives, textiles, and other products.

When ACM is damaged or disturbed, it can release asbestos fibers into the air. And when inhaled, these fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
When planning a demolition project, it is crucial to be aware of the potential presence of ACM and take steps to protect yourself and others from exposure.

Types of ACM

  • There are two main types of ACM: friable and non-friable.
  • Friable ACM, like insulation materials, can be easily crumbled by hand.
  • Non-friable ACM, like floor tiles, is denser and harder to break apart.
  • Both types of ACM can release asbestos fibers into the air when damaged or disturbed.

How to Identify ACM

The only way to definitively identify ACM is through laboratory testing of a sample of the material in question.

However, some visual cues can indicate the presence of ACM.

For example, friable ACM is often soft and spongy, while non-friable ACM is typically hard and dense. ACM may also be marked with labels or warnings indicating the presence of asbestos. If you suspect a material may contain asbestos, it is best to assume it and take appropriate precautions.

Precautions for Handling ACM

Whether it is asbestos removal, mitigation, or asbestos testing, these are all specialized services that should be performed by trained and certified professionals only.

Some basic precautions to take include:

  • Wetting the material before disturbing it will help to keep asbestos fibers from becoming airborne
  • Wearing personal protective equipment, including a respirator with an appropriate filter, gloves, and eye protection
  • Working in well-ventilated areas
  • Keeping the work area clean and free of debris

Asbestos Abatement Services in Salt Lake City, UT, offers removal, testing, and disposal so you can be confident the job is done correctly and safely.

If you have any questions about asbestos or your demolition project, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We are happy to help!

View of an attic insulated with spray foam

Asbestos Can Be Identified Using Different Methods

By Asbestos and Renovations, Asbestos in the home, Asbestos Information, Service InformationNo Comments

Asbestos analysis is the only sure way to know if a property has asbestos-containing materials. You can easily make assumptions that a property built in the 1980s will likely have asbestos, but the only way to know for certain is through proper testing. Certified asbestos abatement professionals can test and inspect your property and determine if there is asbestos on the property. Below, we will discuss methods that are used when checking properties for asbestos fibers.

Construction Material Samples

This is the most popular form of asbestos testing that is completed for homes and businesses. A certified asbestos inspector will gather several samples from different areas of the home or business. Once assembled, these samples will be sent to a laboratory, where they will be tested. This is a highly accurate test and can give you the information you need for asbestos abatement.

Air Samples

In some instances, it is important to test the air for asbestos fibers. This method only identifies if there are active asbestos fibers in the air of a building. This test is often more affordable and faster than material sample testing. This test measures friable asbestos but not asbestos-containing materials on a property.

Water and Soil Testing

The above two methods are used the most in residential and commercial properties asbestos testing. Water and soil testing is used to see if asbestos is being illegally dumped in areas. This testing is used for environmental investigations.

If you want a test that tests your home or business for asbestos, the best all-around test is the testing of construction materials. It is important to know if you have asbestos on the property and where it is located. Testing a property for asbestos should be completed to ensure everyone is safe from asbestos fibers and exposure.

Exterior view of a family home

Should Asbestos Still Be A Concern?

By Asbestos in the home, Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Asbestos-related deaths have remained constant over the last decade and are predicted to remain stable. This is not good news, as we all hope for a decrease in the number of deaths caused by the dangerous fiber. This alone should answer the question about asbestos still being a concern. Asbestos will remain a concern until it is completely banned and all properties are clear from asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos In Buildings

Many older buildings are receiving facelifts and being transformed into more modern-looking buildings. This is exceptionally dangerous because the older buildings still contain some materials with asbestos. This makes the commercial properties hazardous to employees and clients. Unfortunately, older buildings are not the only concern, as we are seeing newer commercial properties with asbestos. It is important to have all commercial properties tested for asbestos as a precaution.

Asbestos In Homes

Older homes usually have asbestos-containing materials. This is no surprise, and we see many people having their older homes tested and asbestos removed. This is a major step in our fight against asbestos exposure, but newly constructed homes are also of concern. Newer homes have been found to contain trace amounts of asbestos. This is a lot better than older homes, but even trace amounts allow for asbestos exposure to you and your family. If you have recently had a new home built, it is best to follow up with an asbestos test.

The only way we will ever be free from asbestos exposure and asbestos-related illnesses is through better education. More education on asbestos can lead to a much-needed ban. If asbestos products are banned, there will be no more properties constructed using asbestos, nor asbestos in any other products. Once banned, we can begin to move forward from the hazardous and deadly fiber known as asbestos.

Street signs saying myths and facts in front of road and landscape

Myths About Asbestos That You Need To Know About!

By Asbestos in the home, Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Asbestos is all over the media, but is everything they are saying true? In many cases, myths are being spread about the hazardous fiber. Luckily, Utah Asbestos Abatement has the truth about asbestos and would love to educate you on the hazards better.

It Is Easy To Spot Asbestos

This is a significant myth because asbestos cannot be visibly seen! Asbestos is incorporated into materials to create a sturdier and more fire-resistant product. There is only one way to know if a material contains asbestos, and that is through asbestos testing. We can all make assumptions based on the age of a home, but it is impossible actually to see the asbestos fibers in products.

Some Forms Of Asbestos Are Safe

While non-friable asbestos is not of immediate danger, it is still a danger to you and your family. All forms of asbestos are hazardous and can cause exposure, leading to illnesses and possible cancer. If a property has asbestos, it needs to be removed as soon as possible!

Asbestos-Related Illnesses Are Contagious

Asbestos exposure causes severe respiratory illnesses, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. It may seem that respiratory illnesses are contagious, but they are not in this case. Asbestos-related illnesses only occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos fibers.

Asbestos Exposure Only Occurs Through Specific Occupations

It was once thought that asbestos exposure only occurred in miners, construction workers, and other occupations where there was asbestos. Unfortunately, people are being exposed in their own homes. This makes asbestos exposure extremely hazardous, as we are now seeing children with asbestos-related illnesses.

Newer Properties Are Free Of Asbestos

Newly built properties are not immune to asbestos-containing materials. It was once thought that only older properties contained asbestos, but since asbestos is not fully banned, we are seeing new homes testing positive for asbestos-containing materials.

As you can see, there are many myths floating around about asbestos. It is important to keep up to date on all asbestos-related news. This helps to protect you and your family from exposure.

Asbestos Inspections Methods – Which Is Best?

By Asbestos Information, Service InformationNo Comments

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber that grows throughout the United States. Many believe that asbestos is manufactured because of its use in materials and because of how harmful it is to the human body. Asbestos has been utilized for centuries in all forms of products and for different reasons. Today, we see asbestos mostly in commercial and residential properties. The fibers were used in construction materials because of their durability, heat resistance, and affordability. The main problem with asbestos is the fact it can only be found through asbestos inspections and testing. Asbestos inspections are completed for a variety of reasons in residential and commercial settings. Below we will discuss the reasons one has an inspection, and which is best for your individual needs.

Commercial Asbestos Inspections

Commercial buildings have stricter guidelines when dealing with asbestos-containing materials. They require asbestos inspections for the following:
• Pre-Demolition
• Remodels and Additions
• Commercial Real Estate Acquisitions
• Industrial Maintenance

As you can see, commercial properties are required to have asbestos inspections for many different projects. If demolition is needed, an asbestos contractor will need to be present for asbestos removal. This is to ensure asbestos is not released into the air, where it can travel to other areas, exposing those in the path. If you maintain a commercial property, it is best to contact an asbestos abatement company that knows and understands the regulations and laws regarding asbestos in commercial properties.

Residential Asbestos Inspections

Residential asbestos inspections are generally completed by the homeowner as a safety precaution. Older homes commonly contain asbestos in the materials, but we do see newly constructed properties that are positive for asbestos. Residential asbestos inspections are generally completed for the following:
• Remodeling Projects
• Residential Purchases
• Homeowner Safety

Most homeowners want to protect their families, and one way of doing so is through asbestos inspections.

Asbestos inspections and testing is completed using two types of testing. The first is completed by taking samples of materials that are then sent to a lab for results. This is a highly accurate test that can detect both friable and non-friable asbestos. The next type takes an air quality sample and shows if there is asbestos in the air. This type of test only picks up on airborne asbestos fibers. If you are in need of an asbestos inspection, contact your local asbestos abatement company. They will help you determine the right test for you and your needs!

living room with hardwood floors

Asbestos And Lead Testing – The Importance

By Asbestos Information, Service InformationNo Comments

Lead and asbestos are two of the more harmful materials you can find on your property. Both need professional testing and can cause extreme illnesses. Below, we will talk about asbestos and lead testing and its importance. Asbestos and lead could be inside your home, waiting to expose you and your family. Let us help by educating you on the many dangers of exposure.

Asbestos Testing Importance

Asbestos was once thought to only be in older homes and businesses, but this is not the case. Asbestos-containing materials are being found in newly built homes, which is a growing concern, as most believe newer homes are safe from the hazardous fiber. Asbestos testing is completed through an asbestos abatement professional. The test is comprehensive, and materials are taken from many areas of the property. Once collected, these samples are sent to a laboratory for accurate results. Asbestos exposure causes respiratory illnesses and more severe illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. If your home has never been tested for asbestos, it is best to have one completed.

Lead Testing Importance

Lead paint was common for years, but during the 80s, it was banned. If your home is older, there is a major chance that lead paint is on the property. Lead paint is not of major concern for healthy adults. However, young children, the elderly, and pregnant women are at risk of lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can produce a wide range of health problems including:
• Seizures
• Cognitive Problems
• Behavioral Issues
• Digestive Problems
• Headaches
• Swelling
• Comas
• Death

Lead testing is important, especially for older properties. Even remodeled properties should be tested since paint is generally never removed during remodels. A fresh coat of paint is applied, leaving the lead paint in place.

It is best to have the property tested for both lead and asbestos if you own a home. Testing can provide a sense of relief, knowing your family is safe from the damaging effects of asbestos exposure and lead poisoning.

Residential room full of renovation materials

A Beginners Guide To Asbestos

By Asbestos in the home, Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Understanding asbestos is an important part of protecting your family. Basic knowledge of asbestos can help you make more informed decisions in regards to asbestos and asbestos exposure. Below, Asbestos Abatement Services will give you a rundown of the definition of asbestos, why it is dangerous, and how to prevent exposure to the dangerous fiber.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber that is found in the earth, which is why many miners have asbestos-related illnesses. There are six forms of asbestos, and each is highly dangerous to your health. The six types are:
• Actinolite
• Anthophyllite
• Tremolite
• Crocidolite
• Amosite
• Chrysotile

Asbestos fibers were used in textiles, pottery, and, more recently, construction materials. Asbestos has been used for centuries and was not a concern until the 1980s.

Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos was mixed into materials to make the materials fire-resistant, more durable, and flexible. It was believed to be one of the better fibers to mix into materials until it was realized that asbestos is actually very hazardous to your health. Asbestos exposure occurs when materials break down, causing the asbestos fibers to release into the air, where it enters your body through your mouth and nose. Once in your system, it latches onto your lungs, stomach, and even heart, where it slowly begins to cause damage to your body. Regrettably, there is no way to know if you have been exposed until you begin to see symptoms, which are usually respiratory illnesses, including cancers like mesothelioma.

This is what makes asbestos so hazardous. It is not visible and can only be found through laboratory testing.

Where Could Asbestos Be On My Property?

Asbestos could be in many materials that were used to build your home. The most common include:
• Adhesives
• Insulation
• Drywall
• Wallpaper
• Roofing
• Tile
• Flooring


As you can see, asbestos could be luring throughout your property. It is best to have your residential home tested for asbestos, as it is not fully banned in the United States, meaning even newly built homes could contain asbestos. Asbestos testing can be completed by a certified asbestos abatement professional, who will help you with any asbestos removal services.

Mother and children walking into their home

Ways To Protect Your Children From Asbestos Exposure

By Asbestos and Renovations, Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Protecting our children is one of the most important jobs as a parent. Each day we make decisions to keep them safe from harm. Unfortunately, we sometimes miss things that we could have avoided. Asbestos Abatement Services will discuss ways to protect your children from asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure was once thought to affect those who worked in industries where asbestos was abundant. However, we have begun to see children having asbestos-related illnesses due to exposure.

Asbestos Testing

Asbestos fibers are difficult to spot and can only be detected through testing that is completed at a lab. Asbestos testing is a specific type of testing that involves collecting samples that are then sealed and sent to a lab. Asbestos testing is highly accurate and the only way to know if a property, in fact, does contain asbestos. Asbestos testing is the best way to protect your children from asbestos exposure, as most asbestos exposure for children occurs in the home. Asbestos fibers are often disturbed through wear and tear, remodels, and projects.

Asbestos Knowledge

Another way to help your children avoid exposure to asbestos is through proper education. Both parents and children can be better informed on asbestos and the dangers if they are exposed. There is a lot of information to help educate yourself and your children on asbestos. Knowledge is the best way to keep you and your family safe from asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure causes severe illnesses like cancer. Understanding where asbestos could be in your home and what occurs after exposure can help you better protect your family.

If your property has asbestos, it is crucial to have it removed by a professional asbestos abatement company as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to risk exposure to yourself and your family.