Asbestos Demolition- Requirement

Asbestos is a group of six minerals which are silicate compounds - having oxygen and silicon atoms in their structure. Asbestos fibers are fireproof and resistant to chemicals and heat. This is the reason why asbestos was widely used in building structures for roofing, insulation, fireproofing and sound absorption. It was also used in industries to insulate hot pipes and boilers. However, as the harmful properties of asbestos were discovered, a ban was imposed on its use.

Asbestos Demolition

Asbestos-containing materials or ACM in homes and industrial sites pose a great risk to the health of the occupants and workers. Thus, ACMs must be demolished immediately.

Why is asbestos demolition required?

Asbestos containing materials are abundant in buildings such as in roofing and siding shingles, vinyl floor tiles, paints on ceiling and walls, pipe insulations and much more.  These minerals can be disturbed due to a variety of reasons such as renovation works, repairs, maintenance, etc. Disturbance results in the release of minute asbestos fibers into the air - which are the primary health hazards for humans.

Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers results in lung cancer and other related diseases. Mesothelioma is a lethal cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen. There is no cure for it. Asbestosis is another non-cancer disease of the lungs caused by prolonged exposure to the substance. This is particularly prevalent in industrial laborers working in factories with high asbestos concentration. Asbestos has been recognized as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Regular exposure to asbestos is likely to produce grave health issues in humans.

Thus, ACMs must be eliminated from the building by asbestos demolition. Indirect asbestos exposure from industrial sites also poses a grave risk for the nearby population. Therefore, factories are also required to go for asbestos demolition. In fact, in USA, asbestos removal is mandated under Federal laws.

Stages of asbestos demolition

Asbestos Demolition

The very first stage of asbestos demolition is inspection. A thorough check is required before carrying out the process. The inspectors find out the different structures containing asbestos. A complete list of the ACMs is made. The inspector must be licensed to carry out the inspection as required by law.

The agencies licensed to carry out asbestos demolition have the necessary equipment to remove the ACMs efficiently. All the safety standards are followed by the professionals. Protective clothing for the workers and other safety measures are implemented while carrying out this procedure.

Safe disposal of the asbestos products is carried out by the agency. Transport of the demolished asbestos materials should always be in covered trucks. A thorough cleanup of the demolished site is also done by the workers to eliminate any residual asbestos.

Encapsulation of ACMs can also be opted for by the owners. Encapsulation refers to the sealing of the asbestos containing structures in order to prevent dispersal of asbestos removals into the atmosphere.

Why use accredited contractors?

Accredited asbestos removal contractors have the approval of the government to handle asbestos products. They use well trained and licensed asbestos inspectors and workers for asbestos demolition. The accredited contractors are also equipped with special tools and equipment for working with asbestos.  Thus, hiring the services of such organizations is the best course of action for safe and swift asbestos demolition. The professional contractors provide service for both residential as well as industrial properties.

Owners of residential or commercial properties planning renovations must get in touch with asbestos removal companies before proceeding with a renovation. Safety is the primary concern and an asbestos free property is essential for a healthy environment.