When dealing with a delicate problem like asbestos contamination, knowing who to turn to for help is important. ACM is a leader in asbestos detection and removal, demolition, and more. We understand how concerning it can be to suspect asbestos contamination in your home or commercial property, and our experts are there for you.
Having the appropriate skills and tools for the job will ensure timely removal, within budget, and exceeding environmental standards. Keep reading to learn about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the cleanup services we provide for you.
The Effects of Asbestos Exposure
It is very likely that if a property was built before the 90s, it was built with asbestos materials and products. It wasn’t until 1989 that the use of asbestos in building materials was outlawed. The law was then overturned in 1991, and it took until 2019 to officially outlaw it once and for all.
Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral made of tiny silica fibers. Once inhaled or ingested, those fibers become trapped in the body, causing harm. Asbestos exposure can cause lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaque and thickening, and mesothelioma. Tens of thousands of people die from asbestos exposure yearly.
Some individuals come in contact with asbestos and aren’t aware of it. Having it in your home or property can be dangerous if exposed to it, and it can also prevent you from renovating or demolishing your property. Fortunately, there are options to safely remove and dispose of any materials contaminated with asbestos.
Getting an Asbestos Inspection
If you’re considering any renovation or demolition on your property, you’ll want to inspect it properly before breaking ground. If not, you risk releasing asbestos into the atmosphere and putting yourself and others at risk. ACM has been performing safe and accurate asbestos inspections for over twenty years.
The survey takes anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the size of the building. Experts will begin with a visual overview of the property, list all suspected materials, and take some samples from all items. Samples are sent to a lab for testing, and results are known in 7 to 10 days. At the end of that period, you’ll receive a report with recommendations for removal.
Your ACM certified expert will work with you to find the best path forward. Removal and cleanup of asbestos products and materials should always be done by a professional. It’s necessary to follow proper protocol to avoid asbestos particles from getting into the environment, causing further contamination and endangering the health of everyone in the vicinity.
Asbestos Cleanup Services
Demolition of the Property
If you want a property demolished and you know it has asbestos products and materials, it’s important to do it safely. Asbestos materials pose a risk to yourself, the demolition crew, and the environment. Hiring the proper crew will ensure all are kept safe and the materials are disposed of properly.
The first step to demolition is planning, which includes mitigation strategies for all known or potential hazards. Since every property is unique, with different needs and levels of asbestos contamination, this plan will be customized for your property. Every step will be discussed and laid out before moving forward.
The next step is execution. Experienced partners will handle demolition while consulting with environmental experts every step of the way. The goal is to prevent air, ground, and water contamination throughout the process. The last step is the cleanup, which involves removing the contaminated materials from the property and disposing of them in an environmentally safe way, following all regulations and best practices.
Asbestos Abatement
If you’re only looking to renovate and want to keep the property intact but remove the contamination, asbestos removal is the route for you. Like demolition, this process will start with an inspection and plan for the best strategy for safe removal.
Experienced professionals will handle the removal, and all regulations and best practices are followed to a “T,” including:
- HEPA vacuuming and air monitoring
- Negative pressure / filtered exhaust systems
- Purpose-built site-specific decontamination units
- Mobile decontamination trailers and more
Following all regulations, all asbestos materials will be removed from the property and disposed of properly.