How Can Asbestos Exposure Occur?

Asbestos exposure can occur mainly in two ways: either inadvertently consuming (swallowing) the poisonous particles or inhaling them. Though all asbestos exposure is dangerous, these two types are associated with different types of asbestos.

Inhalation Exposure

When asbestos particles become airborne, they can be inhaled directly into people's lungs. Asbestos types with sharp fibers that can be easily inhaled include:

• Actinolite asbestos was utilized in drywall, paint, insulation, and cement products.
• Amosite asbestos, often known as brown asbestos, was frequently utilized in roofing, insulation, cement, and other building supplies.
• Blue asbestos, or crocidolite asbestos, is the most hazardous kind. It's simple to breathe in the delicate fibers. It was utilized in insulation, tiles, and cement.
• Anthophyllite asbestos is a less common type that can be found in cement and insulation materials.
• Tremolite asbestos is heat-resistant and can be woven into fabric. Although mining has stopped, it was formerly used to make paint, sealants, insulation, roofing, and plumbing supplies.

Ingestion

It is also possible for asbestos fibers to mistakenly enter the mouth and be ingested. Although it may be breathed in, chrysotile asbestos, sometimes known as white asbestos, is the one most frequently linked to swallowing.

Health experts say that all kinds of asbestos cause cancer and that there is no safe amount of exposure, despite certain corporations' claims that the chrysotile asbestos mined today is harmless when utilized in particular products.

Why Are Asbestos Removal Services Essential?

Asbestos removal services are essential for protecting health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and minimizing risks associated with asbestos exposure. If the presence of asbestos is suspected, inhabitants of residential, commercial, and industrial premises should contact asbestos removal professionals before any renovation or demolition. Samples will be taken to confirm the presence of this harmful particle, and a remediation plan will be developed depending on the customer's needs.

It is possible to encapsulate small quantities of asbestos to stop the fibers from getting into the air. Depending on the situation, encapsulation might be the most cost-effective alternative and is fully endorsed by the EPA. Asbestos removal should be performed by experts and disposed of following all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Common Construction Materials Containing Asbestos

Some common construction materials may contain asbestos, including:

• Steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts might have asbestos blankets or tape. Damaged or repaired, they can release harmful asbestos fibers.
• Resilient floor tiles made with vinyl asbestos, asphalt, or rubber, as well as the backing on vinyl sheet flooring, might contain asbestos. Sanding these tiles or scraping and sanding the backing during removal can release asbestos fibers.
• When repairing or removing appliances, like heaters or ovens, there's a risk of releasing asbestos fibers.
• When damaged or removed improperly, asbestos cement roofing, shingles, and siding can release harmful fibers.

Safe Asbestos Removal Procedures of Chenal Restoration

The U.S. federal government enforces strict asbestos removal guidelines. Licensed professionals like Chenal Restoration take training courses and follow specific steps:

• Seal off the work area with plastic sheeting to prevent fibers from spreading.
• Run HEPA air filters and clean air exhaust ducts to clean the air within and outside the work area.
• Wear protective suits and respirators while removing asbestos.
• Inspect the area throughout the process to ensure complete removal.
• Place asbestos materials in labeled, double plastic bags.