Last Updated on January 22, 2024
Hire a Professional for Asbestos Testing and Removal – GUIDE
Asbestos, a once widely used construction material, is now a dreaded word in the real estate industry. The reason is simple: it’s a silent killer. This article will delve into the importance of hiring a professional for asbestos testing and removal, the process involved, and the potential health risks if not handled correctly.
Why Hire an Asbestos Abatement Professional ?
Asbestos can pose serious health risks if not properly managed. Hiring a professional to test for and remove asbestos can help ensure it is done safely and effectively. Here are some things to know when hiring an asbestos abatement contractor.
Attention: Asbestos is Dangerous
Asbestos fibers can become airborne and easily inhaled if disturbed. Inhaling asbestos fibers over time can lead to serious health issues like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. So it is critical that asbestos testing and removal is done by trained professionals with the right equipment and procedures. Do-it-yourself removal can put you and your family at risk.
Research Certified Professional Asbestos testing and removal Contractors
Look for contractors that are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for asbestos abatement. Certification shows they have undergone training on safe asbestos handling.
Professional Toronto asbestos testing and removal companies have the necessary training, experience, and equipment to handle this hazardous material safely. They can accurately identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), contain the area, and remove the asbestos without causing unnecessary exposure.
Inspection and Testing
The first step in professional asbestos removal is an initial inspection. This involves a thorough examination of the property to identify potential ACMs. Samples are then taken and sent to a lab for testing to confirm the presence of asbestos. A certified asbestos inspector will take samples of suspect materials and send them to a lab for testing. The results will determine if abatement is needed.
Abatement Methods
Once asbestos is confirmed, the abatement process begins. This involves sealing off the area to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers and using specialized equipment to safely remove the ACMs. The removed asbestos is then securely packaged and disposed of in accordance with local regulations. Contractors may use methods like removal (most invasive), enclosure (sealing asbestos in place), or encapsulation (coating asbestos to trap fibers).
Post-Removal Inspection
After the removal, a post-removal inspection is conducted to ensure all asbestos has been eliminated. Air quality tests are also performed to confirm the area is safe for reoccupation.
Get Multiple Bids
Get at least 3 bids from different contractors to compare costs and qualifications. Ask about:
• Experience – How long have they been removing asbestos? How many projects?
• Insurance – Make sure they have liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
• References – Check references from past clients to ensure quality work.
• Scope of Work – Make sure the bids include the same scope to compare accurately.
• Disposal – Ask where and how the asbestos will be disposed of. Follow EPA guidelines.
Oversight and Air Monitoring
The contractor should provide oversight during the entire process. They will also perform air monitoring before, during, and after the abatement to ensure fiber levels remain safe.
Cleanup and Clearance
The abatement area must be thoroughly cleaned and pass a visual inspection before the contractor can be paid in full. A final air test may also be required to prove the area is safe.
Costs
The cost of asbestos abatement can vary widely depending on the scope of work, materials involved, and abatement methods used. On average, homeowners pay between 1,000-10,000 or more for professional asbestos removal. Grants may be available for lower-income homeowners.
Hiring a certified asbestos abatement contractor can seem expensive, but the risks of DIY removal make it worth the cost for safety and peace of mind.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health conditions. These include asbestosis (a chronic lung disease), lung cancer, and mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen). The risk increases with the amount and duration of exposure.
FAQs About Asbestos Testing and Removal
1. Can I remove asbestos myself?
While it’s technically possible to remove asbestos yourself, it’s strongly discouraged due to the health risks involved. Professional asbestos removal companies have the necessary training and equipment to do the job safely.
2. How much does professional asbestos testing and removal cost?
The cost can vary depending on the size of the area, the amount of asbestos present, and the complexity of the removal process. It’s best to get several quotes from different companies to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
3. How long does the asbestos removal process take?
The duration of the removal process can vary depending on the size of the project and the amount of asbestos present. However, most residential projects can be completed within a few days.
4. Can I stay in my home during the asbestos removal process?
It’s generally recommended to vacate the property during the removal process to avoid potential exposure to asbestos fibers.
5. What should I do if I suspect there’s asbestos in my home?
If you suspect there’s asbestos in your home, it’s important to avoid disturbing it as this can release harmful fibers into the air. Contact a professional asbestos testing and removal company to have your home inspected and tested.
In conclusion, while asbestos testing and removal can be a daunting process, it’s a necessary one for the safety of everyone in the property. By hiring a Toronto asbestos testing professional , you can ensure the job is done safely and thoroughly, protecting you and your loved ones from the dangers of asbestos exposure.
Key Takeaways
- Asbestos abatement is the process of identifying, removing, repairing, and encapsulating materials or products in a structure to eliminate the threat of exposure to toxic asbestos fibers. It’s best handled by a professional asbestos abatement company in Toronto.
- Asbestos is dangerous because it’s a known carcinogen, and inhaling or ingesting it is linked to mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other health problems. Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) still pose a danger as they were common building products in homes, schools, and other structures built before the 1980s.
- Common asbestos-containing materials include roof shingles, siding, vermiculite insulation, ceiling tiles, coatings, popcorn ceilings, drywall, cement sheets, plaster, putties, caulking, electrical switchboard panels, plumbing fixtures, pipe and duct coverings, thermal boiler and fireplace insulations, and vinyl floor tiles.
- Before renovating or tearing down a building or home, the structure should be tested for asbestos because exposure to asbestos fibers may lead to health problems.
- Asbestos abatement companies are not all the same. Some specialize only in asbestos abatement, while others offer environmental services, demolition services, and general contracting services that may include abatement.
- Asbestos abatement is costly because of the federal regulations governing the process and protective measures taken to ensure the safety of asbestos abatement workers and the public.
- Asbestos abatement involves a series of steps including site preparations for asbestos removal, use of specific asbestos abatement equipment, and proper handling and disposal of asbestos waste.
- Asbestos abatement is important because if damaged asbestos-containing materials are not properly removed, they can endanger your life and the lives of others who come into contact with asbestos dust, fibers, or raw asbestos materials.
- About 1,000 people are diagnosed annually with mesothelioma in Canada. An estimated 2,000 people die annually from some type of asbestos-related disease.
- Asbestos fibers are .01 microns thick (18,000 times thinner than a human hair).
- It is strongly recommended to use a licensed asbestos abatement company in Toronto for the removal of asbestos.
References
- Asbestos – This is a comprehensive resource from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that provides information about asbestos and its health effects, laws and regulations, and how to protect yourself.
- Asbestos: elimination of asbestos-related diseases – This fact sheet from the World Health Organization (WHO) provides key facts and information about asbestos and the elimination of asbestos-related diseases.
- Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk Fact Sheet – This fact sheet from the National Cancer Institute provides information about asbestos, the health hazards of asbestos exposure (including mesothelioma), and who’s at risk for an asbestos-related disease.