Do you live in a house built around the mid-1950s? There is a chance it features asbestos material. Its use is not legal in more than 60 countries. It is still present in many older homes found in many cities in the US, including Bremerton.
The material causes deadly diseases and needs to be removed under professional guidance. The asbestos abatement in Bremerton, WA, offers services relating to its removal and operations.
The following article details what a person can expect during the removal process.
Where can one find it?
Asbestos is mainly present in buildings made in the 1960s.
The familiar places are:
- Ceiling tiles: Asbestos fibers come loose when buildings get old and become airborne. Ceiling fans may move the dust and contaminate the air in the house.
- Pipes: Transit pipes during the mid-1900s featured asbestos cement. When the pipes and boilers become old and start to break down, the asbestos becomes airborne.
Moreover, the pipe may contaminate the water and harm its quality.
- Floor tiles: Floor tiles featuring asbestos were popular in the mid-1900s. Even in homes made around the 1980s, you can find them.
- Walls: The older homes even feature drywall sheets that are fire resistant. So when you use a drill or try demolishing the walls, they may release asbestos fibers into the house.
How does it harm you?
Asbestos was popular and used extensively in the housing and construction industry. It can offer strength, is fireproof, and is even present in older residential houses.
The products made of asbestos are not harmful until there is an exposed part. However, inhaling the fibrous air can result in many diseases.
Some severe diseases include lung cancer, pleural plaques, asbestosis, etc.
In children, the diseases may take years to develop due to their young age. Hence, children are more prone to the dangers of asbestos exposure than adults.
What to expect in the removal process?
As long as the material containing asbestos is not exposed, it is less risky. The risk increases as the material get damaged or disintegrates. In the older building, fibers are coming off, causing health problems.
Removing asbestos is not tricky but should only be done by professionals. It is not a DIY project and a serious problem that can result in serious health issues.
Following are the crucial steps during the process which you can expect:
- The owner should receive a contract for removal and disposal under the laws and regulations. The agreement includes all the details about the preparation, setting up the area for treatment and cleaning, and waste removal. Etc
- The process consists of isolating the containment area and sealing it from other regions.
- Material is wetted, removed, and not broken into pieces to prevent fibers from becoming airborne. Further, the material is left wet for easy removal and cleanup.
- Separate material after removal is sealed in a bag separately. Workers wear protective clothes, eyewear, respirators, gloves, etc. Daily cleaning with a wet mope prevents further contamination.
- Once the asbestos cleanup is complete, an air test further ensures the house is asbestos-free. Once the house passes the air test, the house owners will receive a written guarantee relating to work.
Summing up
Asbestos removal is risky and requires professional help under law and regulation. However, if you ever feel the need, you can connect with asbestos abatement in Bremerton, WA.
Remember to follow the steps so everyone remains safe during the process.