If your home, apartment, or commercial space was constructed prior to 1990, there?s a good chance that asbestos is present in the tiling, shingles, insulation, siding, or in between layers of sheetrock. Given its potential hazards, Aquamist?s asbestos abatement team believes property owners should be aware of what asbestos is, how it becomes a danger, and what can be done about it.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is the name for a group of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals. Although asbestos particles are microscopically small, they are extremely durable and resistant to extreme heat and most chemicals. While asbestos?s strength was a primary reason it was so popular in construction materials, that same quality is one of the reasons asbestos is so dangerous.
How does asbestos become a health problem?
The mere presence of asbestos in your home or work space isn?t hazardous, so long as the material containing the asbestos is in good condition. However, once those materials are damaged or disturbed, whether through renovations or normal wear and tear, asbestos particles can become airborne. When tiny asbestos fibres are inhaled through normal respiration, they become lodged in the tiny spaces within the lungs. Once there, asbestos can remain for years, doing significant damage: asbestos can cause scarring of the lungs, pulmonary disease, even cancer.
What can be done about asbestos?
If you suspect your home or business may have an asbestos problem, leave any damaged areas alone and contact the Aquamist professionals immediately. A certified inspector will conduct a visual examination and carefully collect samples for analysis. If asbestos is present, the inspector will provide a detailed report, including recommendations as to how the asbestos should be dealt with. Then, an asbestos abatement team will get to work, either removing and disposing of the asbestos, or applying a liquid seal around any damaged materials, a process called encapsulation.
At Aquamist, we?ve been helping our friends and neighbours in British Columbia safely and effectively deal with the hazards of asbestos for years. Plus, by managing your asbestos abatement project from start to finish, our skilled technicians ensure the process is free of hassle and stress. If you?re interested in discussing your concerns, or would like to get started on an asbestos removal project, get in touch with us today.