What Is the Difference Between Friable and Non-Friable Asbestos?
Asbestos can be categorized into two types based on how easily it can break down: friable and non-friable. However, non-friable ...
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Call: 706-661-0487Discovering asbestos in your home can be unsettling, but it’s important to handle the situation with knowledge and care. Asbestos, once widely used in construction materials, is now known to be a health hazard. At Environmental Services Of America (ES AMERICA), we’re dedicated to asbestos testing and removal in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve found asbestos in your house and how to deal with it effectively.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring, silicate-based mineral known for its fire-resistant properties. There are six different types, all of which were commonly used in various building materials until the 1970s. These include floor tiles, roof shingles, pipe insulation, fire-retardant clothing, fire blankets, and even some car parts. In the 1970s, federal regulations significantly limited the use of asbestos after it was identified as a carcinogen. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can lead to severe health conditions, including mesothelioma, a deadly cancer.
Finding Asbestos in Your Home
If you own an older home, it’s possible that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present, particularly in basements, attics, or even in floor tiles and insulation around furnaces. However, identifying asbestos just by looking at it is nearly impossible. Many homeowners first learn about the presence of asbestos during home inspections before a sale, but for those who skip this step to save costs, the discovery can be quite alarming.
At ES AMERICA, we always emphasize the importance of a thorough inspection, especially for homes built before the 1970s. If you’re considering renovations and your house falls into this age bracket, it’s crucial to assume that some building materials might contain asbestos and take the necessary precautions.
Asbestos Exposure: When to Worry
The mere presence of asbestos in your home doesn’t automatically mean you’re at risk. If asbestos-containing materials are intact, undisturbed, and in an unreachable location, they generally do not pose a threat. However, problems arise when these materials become cracked, crumbling, or disturbed during renovations. In such cases, asbestos fibers can be released into the air, where they can be inhaled, potentially leading to serious health issues over time.
If you come across asbestos in your home—especially during renovation or remodeling projects—it’s critical to stop all work immediately and seek professional assistance. At ES AMERICA, we’re here to help assess the situation and guide you on the safest way to handle asbestos in your property.
Asbestos Testing: What’s Next?
When you suspect or uncover asbestos that cannot be avoided or safely encapsulated, such as in walls you plan to knock down or floor tiles you wish to remove, the next step is to seek professional testing. We at ES AMERICA, based in Atlanta, are fully equipped to provide comprehensive asbestos testing services across Georgia.
A certified asbestos consultant will evaluate the extent of the issue and determine the amount of asbestos present. The cost of removal depends on the quantity and location of asbestos in the building, and this expense can sometimes run into thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, homeowner’s insurance policies often do not cover asbestos removal. However, we recommend checking with state agencies to explore available grants or loan programs that may assist with asbestos abatement.
Asbestos Abatement: Trust the Professionals
When it comes to asbestos abatement, professional removal is the only way to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. The process involves sealing off the affected area, encapsulating the contaminated materials, and then safely removing them from the site. It’s important to use different professionals for evaluation and abatement to avoid any conflict of interest. ES AMERICA offers certified and experienced asbestos removal services, ensuring that every step is handled according to strict state and federal guidelines.
Always request proof of certification from the abatement company and retain copies of all documentation related to the removal. This should include photos of how the materials were managed, removed, and disposed of safely. Our team at ES AMERICA is dedicated to transparency and thorough documentation throughout the abatement process, providing you with peace of mind.
DIY Asbestos Removal: Why It’s Not Worth the Risk
Some homeowners may consider tackling asbestos removal on their own, thinking they can handle it with basic safety gear. However, this approach is highly dangerous and not recommended. Asbestos removal is much more complex than using dust masks and spray bottles; improper handling can release asbestos fibers into the air, posing severe health risks.
If you are interested in learning more about asbestos removal, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides resources for becoming certified. Proper education is key to safely managing asbestos in your home. For most homeowners, however, it is safer, faster, and more effective to rely on professionals like ES AMERICA for asbestos testing and abatement.
improper handling can release asbestos fibers into the air, posing severe health risks.
Contact ES AMERICA for Safe Asbestos Solutions
Finding asbestos in your home can be a daunting experience, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Environmental Services Of America (ES AMERICA), we specialize in asbestos testing and removal services throughout Atlanta and the state of Georgia. We’re committed to providing a safe, efficient, and comprehensive approach to asbestos remediation.
If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your property, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Call us today at (706) 661-0487, visit our website at www.es-america.com, or email us at [email protected]. Let’s work together to ensure your home is a safe and healthy environment for you and your family.
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