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Lead paint peeling off of a wall in a home

Beyond Asbestos: Identifying and Addressing Other Home Hazards

By Hazardous Materials Information, Service InformationNo Comments

Asbestos is not the only hazardous material that could be hiding in your home. Other hazardous materials include lead and toxic materials. While asbestos is a known carcinogen, other dangerous substances like lead, mercury, and mold may also pose health risks to you and your family.

Hazardous materials commonly found in Salt Lake City area homes include:

  • Asbestos: A naturally occurring mineral used in various building materials such as insulation, roofing, and flooring. It can be harmful if inhaled or ingested.
  • Lead: A heavy metal used in paints, plumbing, and solder; harmful if ingested or absorbed through the skin.
  • Mercury: A toxic metal present in thermometers, thermostats, and batteries. It can be harmful if inhaled or ingested.
  • Mold: A fungus that grows in damp and humid conditions, causing allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems.

These hazardous materials can pose various risks, such as cancer, birth defects, neurological damage, and respiratory issues.

To protect yourself and your family from these dangers, follow these steps:

  1. Have your home inspected for hazardous materials by a qualified professional.
  2. Avoid disturbing suspected hazardous materials.
  3. If you must handle hazardous material, wear protective gear, such as a respirator and gloves.
  4. Dispose of hazardous materials properly.

Asbestos Abatement Services is a professional asbestos abatement company serving the Salt Lake City area. With over 20 years of experience, our certified professionals provide a range of services, including asbestos testing, removal, encapsulation, and management. We use the latest technology and methods to ensure safe and effective asbestos removal while adhering to all state and federal regulations.

If you’re concerned about the presence of asbestos or other hazardous materials in your home, please contact Asbestos Abatement Services today. Our team will happily answer any questions you have and schedule an inspection of your home.

May 27, 2023
Large modern office with open space

Lead In Your Home Or Office, Let Us Remove It

By Hazardous Materials Information, Household InfoNo Comments

Lead is a dangerous toxin that can cause significant health problems. If you have lead in your home or office, it is essential to remove it as soon as possible. Lead abatement is when the lead is removed from the environment and disposed of properly. Asbestos Abatement Services in Salt Lake City, UT, offers lead abatement services to remove lead from your home or office. Read on to understand the dangers of lead and how professionals remove it.

Dangers of Lead on Your Property

Lead is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in the environment. Some risks associated with lead exposure include:

1) Lead poisoning can cause serious health problems, such as learning disabilities and behavioral issues in children.

2) Health effects in adults include high blood pressure and reproductive problems.

3) Damage to the central nervous system of animals if they come into contact with lead.

Steps Involved in Lead Abatement

Lead abatement is necessary to safeguard against potential health risks posed by lead exposure. The steps involved in this process include identifying the lead source, testing for its presence, and finally removing it from your home or office environment.

1) Testing

The first step in abatement is lead testing for its presence. This can involve X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or an air sampling test to measure the levels of airborne lead particles.

2) Identification

Once the lead sources have been identified, it’s time to figure out how they got there and what steps to take for removal.

3) Removal

Lead removal involves the physical removal of lead-based materials from the environment. This can include scraping, sanding, and using chemical or mechanical means to remove any traces of lead particles from surfaces. A specialized contractor may need to be consulted in some cases, such as with lead paint stripping.

4) Disposal

Finally, the material that has been removed must be safely disposed of to ensure that no further exposure is possible. This may include local hazardous waste disposal or specially designed lead-safe bags for transport to a designated facility.

Call Asbestos Abatement Services in Salt Lake City, UT for residential and commercial lead abatement services. We have the experience and expertise to correctly identify, remove, and dispose of lead from your home or business.

February 7, 2023
Construction worker with gloves placing helmet near compressor and pneumatic air hammer chisel

Removing Lead From Your Home or Demolition Site

By Hazardous Materials Information, Household InfoNo Comments

Lead is a metal found naturally in the Salt Lake City, UT, environment. It has been used in various industrial and consumer products for centuries due to its versatility and low cost. However, lead is also highly toxic, and exposure to even small amounts can cause serious health problems.

Lead is particularly harmful to children, damaging their developing nervous system. Exposure to lead can cause learning difficulties, behavioral problems, and reduced IQ. In extreme cases, it can even lead to coma and death.

How to detect lead in your home or demolition site

Lead poisoning is a serious health hazard, especially for young children. Although lead was banned from paint and gasoline in the 1970s, it can still be found in older homes and demolition sites. If you suspect that there may be lead in your home, there are a few simple tests you can do to check for its presence.

First, you can look for paint chips or dust around windowsills, doors, and baseboards. These are common areas where old lead-based paint can flake off.

You can also conduct a rag test by dampening a white cloth with vinegar or water and rubbing it on a suspected area of lead paint. If the cloth turns reddish-brown, there is likely lead present.

Finally, you can purchase a lead testing kit from your local hardware store. These kits will give you a more accurate indication of the level of lead contamination in your home. If you find that there is lead present, it’s important to take steps to remove it safely.

Methods for removing lead from your home or demolition site

Lead is a highly toxic metal that can cause serious health problems if ingested or inhaled. Thankfully, several effective methods for removing lead from homes and demolition sites are available.

Lead abatement is the process of permanently removing lead from a structure. Lead-based paint and lead pipes are the most common sources of lead exposure in the home. These materials can release lead into the air, water, or soil when they deteriorate.

Lead removal is the process of physically removing lead-based materials from a structure. This can be done by stripping or sanding lead-based paint, or by replacing lead pipes. Lead removal should only be conducted by a certified professional.

Lead testing is the process of testing for the presence of lead in a structure. Lead testing can be conducted by a certified professional or with a lead testing kit.

Demolition lead removal – the process of safely removing lead-based materials during a demolition
Finally, during a demolition, all lead-based materials must be removed safely to avoid exposure.

Get in Touch With Asbestos Abatement Services in Salt Lake City, UT

At Asbestos Abatement Services, we’re certified to safely remove lead and other hazardous materials from your demolition site. We offer a variety of lead removal, testing, and abatement services to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more.

November 15, 2022
Interior of an office with desks, chairs and computers

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.

October 3, 2022
Modern interior with reception desk

OSHA Requirements For Commercial Properties With Asbestos

By Asbestos Regulations, Hazardous Materials InformationNo Comments

Asbestos, best known for its insulation qualities and fire-resistant capabilities, was commonly used to construct commercial properties. During the late 80s, reports began to link asbestos exposure to illnesses like lung cancer and respiratory illnesses. People who worked in construction, HVAC, and plumbing were generally exposed to high levels of asbestos, which led to deadly conditions like mesothelioma.

OSHA Requirements

OSHA breaks down commercial asbestos exposure and removal into classes. Class one is the most hazardous, and class 4 is the least hazardous. OSHA has strict regulations on the renovation and demolition of commercial properties that contain asbestos. Asbestos is at its most dangerous when it is disturbed through remodels and destruction. Before any renovations or demolition can occur, the older building must be tested and inspected by a certified asbestos abatement professional. This is a strict requirement, and fines can be given if the regulations are not followed properly.

If the commercial property contains asbestos, an asbestos abatement contractor will need to be present for the removal of any asbestos-containing materials before any renovations take place. This is also the case with older building demolitions. If the property contains asbestos, it will need to be handed over to an asbestos abatement contractor for removal. The goal of OSHA is to protect everyone from asbestos exposure. If the job is not handled correctly, it can cause people to become exposed to asbestos unknowingly. This will cause illnesses, often severe, later on down the road.

While OSHA requirements are strict, they are put into place for your protection. No one wants to knowingly or unknowingly cause someone to be exposed to asbestos. Asbestos causes cancers and often death. If you own a commercial property, it is important that you understand all OSHA asbestos requirements and that you adhere to them strictly.

December 10, 2021
Professional in protective gear performing asbestos abatement

Asbestos Decontamination – Why A Trained Professional is Needed!

By Asbestos Information, Hazardous Materials InformationNo Comments

As we all see in the media, asbestos exposure causes cancer, specifically mesothelioma. We know asbestos is a carcinogen and is still seen in older homes throughout the United States. Asbestos is deadly, and there are laws in place on federal and state levels about asbestos decontamination. Below, we will discuss asbestos decontamination and the importance of a certified asbestos abatement professional.

When asbestos abatement professionals begin a job, they start by sealing off the area. Once sealed, they bring in equipment and negative pressure machines to ensure no asbestos fibers can escape. They also seal off HVAC vents and wear respirators and suits to ensure that asbestos fibers do not attach to them or enter their bodies.

Once they remove the asbestos-containing materials, they will start sealing them and safely removing them from the property. Once they have removed the materials to a safe location, they will go through a decontamination process. This process is an extremely important part of the removal process because it ensures no asbestos fibers escape the immediate area. All equipment, tools, clothing, and workers will go through the decontamination process before they can leave the site.

By doing this, they prevent the asbestos fibers from exposing anyone in the immediate area. They will then take the asbestos-containing materials to a disposal location, where they present their licenses and certifications for disposal. It is unlawful to remove or attempt the removal of asbestos without the correct permits. These laws are in place to protect people from the harmful effects of asbestos exposure, including cancer and possible death.
If you have asbestos on your property, contact an asbestos abatement professional so that they can safely eliminate the asbestos and ensure your home and family are safe.

October 13, 2021
White paint pealing off a residential building

Asbestos and Lead Can Lead To Extreme Illnesses

By Asbestos Information, Hazardous Materials InformationNo Comments

Asbestos and lead are two hazardous materials that are commonly found in older buildings. Both commercial and residential properties were built using asbestos-containing materials and lead paint. Before the 1990s, both asbestos and lead were not seen as a threat. They were items that bettered the quality of construction materials. Once asbestos and lead were found to cause illnesses, they were better regulated. Asbestos is still not fully banned, but lead paint is no longer used.

Lead Paint

Lead paint is still found in older properties, even those that have been remodeled. While this may not be a hazard to most healthy adults, it can be dangerous for children, pregnant women, and the elderly. If your home has not been tested for lead paint and it is older, now is the time. Lead paint can be removed, which can keep your family safe from the many symptoms of lead poisoning. Lead poisoning symptoms include:
• Seizures
• Irritability
• Cognitive Problems
• Behavioral Issues
• Headaches
• Comas

Asbestos

Asbestos exposure causes many illnesses. From pleural thickening to lung scarring and cancer, asbestos causes severe respiratory illnesses. Some of the many symptoms include:
• Coughing
• Chest Pains
• Difficulty Breathing
• Wheezing
• Lung Pain
• Coughing Up Blood
• Fatigue

Asbestos-related illnesses do not show up as soon as you have been exposed. It is often years or even decades later before any symptoms occur.

As you can see, both lead and asbestos exposure are hazardous. Both can be avoided through the proper testing and safe removal of asbestos and lead from the property. If your home is older, consider having a lead and asbestos testing completed. It will give you peace of mind that your home is safe from the many illnesses of asbestos and lead poisoning.

July 15, 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.

May 24, 2021
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.

May 14, 2021
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.

May 1, 2021
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