Asbestos is a key component in many buildings and manufacturing processes, largely because of its characteristics of strength, heat resistance and durability. Property owners undertaking remodeling or renovation projects are likely to come across asbestos containing materials (ACM) during the course of the project. Such material can include ceiling or floor tiles, insulation, ducting, shingles, plaster and other commonly used construction materials. In the interest of expediency, some homeowners may be tempted to handle and remove this ACM themselves. That may be a huge mistake. Contact a professional firm of contractors instead, who can help with asbestos removal from Columbus OH structures.
It is important to note that ACM, if recently installed or applied, and in good shape, will usually not pose any serious issues. As a matter of fact, many building and construction specialists highly recommend a “If it ain’t broke – don’t fix it”! approach when dealing with ACM in pristine or sound working condition. Homeowners and others not trained in hazardous materials can therefore continue with their DIY renovation projects with little risk, as long as they do not damage or disturb ACM.
It is when building and construction components containing asbestos are old, worn out or damaged that you need to exercise extreme caution. That is when you need to contact an experienced firm of professionals to safely handle asbestos removal from Columbus OH building and construction sites.
Asbestos is a fibrous material, which means that when disintegrating it can release tiny particles of fiber into the air. Often invisible and unseen, these micro fibers can easily be inhaled or ingested by untrained individuals who do not take the necessary precautions when dealing with ACM. Once in our systems, asbestos fibers can get logged into our lung tissue, causing severe health issues, including lung cancer.
The health risks associated with ingesting or inhaling asbestos containing particles do not manifest themselves immediately upon such inhalation. In some cases, asbestos fibers can be logged in the lungs for as long as 15 years before overt symptoms of asbestos poisoning are manifested. By then, it is often too late for the patient to seek preventative medical treatment. The condition is often fatal.
In order to deal with asbestos removal in Columbus OH, individuals and contracting firms need to be aware of the health and safety risks associated with ACM. In addition to protective clothing, including coveralls, gloves, breathing masks and eye protection, these individuals are skilled at dealing with testing and the abatement of ACM. They need to be fully licensed by the Ohio Department of Health and trained to meet and exceed all regulations by Federal EPA, Ohio EPA, NESHAPS and OSHA.
While it may be tempting for individual homeowners to take an axe, shovel and a garbage bag and start demolishing asbestos containing structures, it is often not a good decision to do so. It may save you time and money, but could end up costing you and your loved ones a life!