Abatement? Remediation? asbestos? what?

How Can People Be Exposed to Asbestos?

Asbestos fibers may be released into the air by the disturbance of asbestos-containing material during product use, demolition work, building or home maintenance, repair, and remodeling. In general, exposure may occur only when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged in some way to release particles and fibers into the air. (https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos

Three of the major health effects associated with asbestos exposure are:

• lung cancer
• mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that is found in the thin lining of the lung, chest and the abdomen and heart
• asbestosis, a serious progressive, long-term, non-cancer disease of the lungs

Where asbestos may be found:

• Attic and wall insulation produced containing vermiculite
• Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives
• Roofing and siding shingles
• Textured paint and patching compounds used on walls and ceilings
• Walls and floors around wood-burning stoves protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets
• Hot water and steam pipes coated with asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape
• Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets with asbestos insulation
• Heat-resistant fabrics

Abatement and Remediation 

The two are separate types of procedures and very distinct types of environmental services. Abatement is the removal of a contaminant such as lead based paint, asbestos, and or cellulose fibrous materials  from your home or business encapsulating it in a way that it no longer poses a risk. Remediation addresses the cause of the spread of mold to prevent future exposure and often includes an abatement strategy if the building material can not be saved by treating/cleaning.

*BEWARE: You can’t identify asbestos by color or smell. Testing by a lab is the only way to verify the presence of a type of asbestos.

Are All Types of Asbestos Dangerous?

Both types of asbestos (amphibole and serpentine) are known to cause exposure-related diseases. 

In most cases, the risk of asbestos exposure comes from asbestos-containing materials (like contaminated popcorn ceiling or linoleum tiles). Unfortunately, thousands of products have been manufactured with this carcinogen in the U.S. and abroad – including children’s toys, powder makeup, and shipbuilding materials.

However, there is NO total ban on asbestos, and this material exists in houses in every state. Sometimes, home renovators and DIY'ERS suffer asbestos exposure from contaminated products in the home.

Taking on a mold remediation project, asbestos abatement, crawlspace encapsulation, and or removal of lead based paint (to name a few) can cause more harm than good when done incorrectly or may result in fines by the DEP. 

Let us do what we do best by keeping you and your family safe from potential harm. We have years of specialized experience dealing with mold, remediation, abatement, wet basements, damp crawlspaces, and asbestos as well as proper handling and disposing of hazardous materials. Our crews maintain a high level of safety for both themselves, your family, and the environment.