Friday, February 25, 2011

The General Information Regarding Asbestos Abatement

By Mark Lamping


Asbestos, which in Greek means unquenchable and inextinguishable, is a silicate mineral which naturally occurs but is exploited commercially. The strong and desirable material features thin and long fibrous crystals. In installation, it was once considered a useful and reliable ingredient but the compounds are also extremely dangerous and detrimental when inhaled. The item, which was once popular in manufacturing, is now taboo. Asbestos removal in America takes place every day in businesses, homes, and schools.

Asbestos's popularity began back in the country's Industrial Revolution. By the 20th century its uses had included fire proof jackets, oven cement, wall installation, and most lawn furniture. During the second world war, hundreds of thousands of pounds of it was used to insulate the walls and coat the engine parts of most ships.

Though thousands of people were perishing each year from Asbestos inhalation, the first death that was officially attributed to the material didn't occur until 1906. Health researchers had begun to notice the large number of illnesses and deaths in towns that mined for the substance. Unfortunately though, it wasn't until the early seventies that asbestos was officially deemed unsafe.

Sadly, by then the unhealthy substance was in every thing from filtered cigarettes to car parts. It was finally outlawed in the late seventies and clean up organizations started taking the steps to abolish it from homes and other structures. Based on how the mineral was installed in a home, it might not pose a risk to those living in it.

If the fibers aren't able to dislodge and spread in the air, inspectors may end up allowing their presence but if they can be dislodged from their location then the area is deemed unsafe and its removal is ordered.

Once a building has been marked for removal, its inhabitants and residents are typically temporarily relocated. The area surrounding the silicate minerals is sealed off with sturdy plastic sheeting in order to prevent further contamination and workers don special masks and suits. And only certified vacuum cleaners are allowed to be used as regular ones will only spread the materials around.

If the owner of the affected building does not plan on having the substance removed or was planning on demolishing the structure anyway, then there are other options. The hazardous areas are enclosed or sealed up in thick plastic in the homes that are too remain vacant but the harmful fibrous minerals must be completely removed before the structure is legally able to be torn down.




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