5 Reasons Why Professional Asbestos Removal is Essential
Asbestos was a legal building material until 1989, leaving anything built prior at risk of asbestos contamination. Considering that around half the homes in Rhode Island were built between 1940 and 1980, there’s a good chance you might run into this toxic material during a renovation.
Trying to remove asbestos on your own can put you at risk of its dangerous effects and, in some cases, break Rhode Island law, making professional asbestos removal a must-have for homes and commercial buildings.
Why is asbestos dangerous?
Asbestos is a group of fibrous minerals that are lightweight, fireproof, and durable, which made it popular in the construction industry. However, these same fibers pose serious health risks. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, tiny microscopic fibers can become airborne and inhaled. Once inside the lungs, these fibers can cause severe respiratory diseases. The danger is compounded by the fact that symptoms often take decades to appear, making asbestos exposure particularly insidious.
Sounds great, right? Here’s the problem: When asbestos fibers become airborne, they can lodge inside your lungs, causing inflammation, irritation, and severe health conditions like:
- Lung Cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Lung Scarring
It’s difficult, and in some cases impossible, to remove the asbestos fibers once they settle in your lungs. So, prevention is critical to avoid lasting damage.
The dangers of DIY asbestos removal
Over 3,000 known building products contain asbestos, including insulation, roofing, pipes, boilers, and flooring.
In some cases, it’s fine to leave asbestos alone, such as if it’s encased or away from high traffic areas. But when you need to remove asbestos, that’s when things get risky.
If you disturb asbestos during a renovation, like replacing old installation or sanding down a vintage floor, you’re putting yourself or your contractors at risk of exposure. And if you don’t remove the asbestos properly, you can actually spread it throughout the building, leaving everyone inside at risk even after you’re done.
Plus, some states, including Rhode Island, require licensed asbestos contractors for commercial properties. So, going the DIY route can even be illegal in some scenarios.
5 Key benefits of professional asbestos removal
To stay on the safe side of asbestos removal, it’s best to let the professionals handle it. Not only is a professional asbestos removal safer for you, but it can also come with the following benefits.
1. Licensed and Trained
In Rhode Island, asbestos contractors need to be legally licensed by the Department of Health and go through safety training. The state also requires any abatement contractors to submit a plan of removal before work begins
A licensed asbestos removal company understands all the safety and legal requirements and handles any paperwork for you. So, you get peace of mind that everything is by-the-book and totally safe
2. Thorough Testing and Inspection
You can’t always tell if something contains asbestos by looks alone. When you’re unsure, a professional can safely extract a sample for lab testing, so you know exactly what you’re dealing with and whether or not it poses a risk
Professionals also understand where asbestos is most likely to lurk and the likelihood that your space is impacted, so you’ll have a professional to search your space
3. Safe Disposal
Materials containing asbestos can’t go in the regular trash. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers asbestos hazardous waste and has special rules about safe disposal
Asbestos abatement companies understand EPA guidelines and can safely remove contaminated materials without exposing the rest of your space. A combination of protective equipment and containment methods can safely quarantine off the impacted areas during the project.
4. Faster Results
A DIY asbestos removal can take ages to do safely, especially when you’ve never done it before. Meanwhile, licensed contractors know the most modern, efficient asbestos removal procedures. Often, the whole process takes as little as one to five days.
Working with a pro means that you’ll get your space back ASAP so you can continue with your renovations
5. Reduced Health Risks
The most important benefit of professional asbestos removal is the protection of your health. Asbestos fibers are tiny and easily inhaled, leading to serious diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Even brief exposure can be dangerous if safety precautions aren’t followed.
By hiring licensed professionals, you minimize the risk of accidental exposure. They use specialized protective gear, air filtration, and containment methods to ensure asbestos fibers don’t escape during removal, keeping you, your family, and your property safe.
How professional asbestos removal works
Every asbestos abatement job is different, depending on the location of the asbestos, the scope of the task, and your local regulations. But when you work with a licensed asbestos removal company in Rhode Island, the process typically looks something like this:
- Inspection: A professional will arrive on-site and inspect the area where you suspect asbestos contamination. They’ll safely remove a sample and send it to a lab for testing
- Making a plan: If the sample comes back positive for asbestos, the contractors will start creating a customized plan for your space. They’ll also submit the plan to the Department of Health for approval.
- Containment: Once you and the DOH approve the plan, the crew can spring into action. That starts by quarantining off the affected area through methods like sheeting and negative air machines with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. So, nothing escapes the work area.
- Removal: With safety measures in place, abatement starts in earnest. The crew will suit up in personal protective equipment (PPE) and either safely remove or encapsulate the asbestos
- Reconstruction: Some companies go a step further with reconstruction services. Instead of merely removing or sealing off the asbestos, they can rebuild the impacted areas with new, safe materials. So, you don’t have to work with separate contractors.
- Air quality testing: When the crew is finished with their abatement work, they’ll test the air quality inside and outside the work area, ensuring that your space is
How much does professional asbestos removal cost?
For a personalized quote on a fast and safe asbestos removal in Rhode Island, contact Prime Restoration.
We specialize in commercial asbestos abatement, and give both large and small-scale projects the attention to detail you deserve. We’ll handle the entire removal process for you, from initial testing to final clean-up, using industry-best practices and state-of-the-art equipment. Let us get to work, so you can get your space back better than ever.