The industry boom in the 19th and 20th centuries saw thousands of mills or factories constructed to produce textiles and other goods. With the Great Depression in the 1920s and continued innovation, many of those mills and factories became obsolete. Mill conversions breathed new life into existing structures, allowing abandoned buildings to be repurposed.
With the age of the mills and the amount of asbestos-containing products used in building materials at the time, these abandoned and dilapidated buildings can be a health and environmental risk without proper inspection and abatement. Keep reading to learn more about asbestos inspections for mill conversions and why you need one before renovation.
What are Mill Conversions?
Globalization played a huge part in mills and factories becoming obsolete in the United States. Many industries took their manufacturing overseas to developing countries to save on costs and make a greater profit. As a result, these once bustling buildings were left vacant, sometimes becoming a target for vandalism and arson.
Mill conversions or mill rehab takes these abandoned mills, and factories are restored and reused for other purposes. Many old mills have been converted into retail shops, office spaces, residential housing, and more. This means much of the original structure is often reused, but some demolition will be needed as a part of the renovation.
With old buildings being abandoned or vandalized, parts of the existing structure may have sustained damage and need to be torn down and replaced. With damage from the elements, wear and tear, or vandals, asbestos-containing materials are likely to have been disturbed at some point, making the space a potential health and environmental hazard.
Why Do You Need an Asbestos Inspection for Your Mill Conversion?
Most abandoned mills and factories available for conversion were built before asbestos-containing products and materials were outlawed in the 1990s, meaning these buildings have asbestos-containing materials throughout the structure. If these materials are intact and stable, they pose little risk and can be left alone, but if you need to do demolition, even just knocking down a wall, you will need an asbestos inspection.
You need an asbestos inspection to ensure the safety of everyone who enters or works on the building and protect the surrounding environment. When asbestos-containing materials are broken or damaged, microscopic particles become airborne, posing a health risk to anyone in the vicinity. Asbestos particles can enter the body through inhalation, lodging in the lungs and causing damage.
Asbestos exposure can lead to health complications and issues like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and larynx, lungs, and ovarian cancer. Recent evidence suggests that asbestos exposure may be linked to stomach, pharynx, and colorectal cancer.
What is the Asbestos Inspection Process for Mill Conversion?
Asbestos inspection for mill conversions takes between a few hours and a few days, depending on the size of the building. Our asbestos inspection expert will keep you informed throughout the process and provide an estimated timeframe for the inspection results.
The process involves a thorough and detailed visual overview of the entire property, extensive sample taking of any suspected asbestos-containing materials, certified laboratory analysis, and a complete report with professional recommendations for asbestos abatement.
Samples are sent to a certified lab for analysis, taking 7 to 10 days to obtain results. Once they are received, a report is created based on the analysis, which our experts will walk you through, answering any questions and providing the next steps.
Why Choose the ACM Team for Asbestos Inspection Services
When you choose ACM, you can be assured our inspections are done with the most modern technology to guarantee precision and accuracy. We use crafted expertise and skills to conduct a comprehensive survey of your property for asbestos-containing material before we start with asbestos removal or management processes.
With the ACM Team, you can trust that our asbestos inspection experts are experienced professionals who will provide a personalized plan and safe process for removing hazardous materials from your property. With over 20 years of expertise in this industry, we guarantee satisfaction with every project. Contact us today at (603) 319-1270 to learn more about our services and how we can help you.
