Protecting Your Property and Health from Hidden Dangers
Many properties built before the 1980s contain a hidden threat: asbestos. Once prized for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, this naturally occurring mineral is now known to pose severe health risks when disturbed. For homeowners and property managers, understanding the importance of professional asbestos abatement and removal is not just about compliance—it’s about safeguarding the health of your family, employees, and tenants. This guide will walk you through what asbestos is, where it lurks, the dangers it presents, and why professional intervention is the only safe solution.
What is Asbestos and Where Is It Found?
Asbestos is a term for a group of six naturally occurring silicate minerals composed of long, thin fibrous crystals. Its durability and resistance to heat, electricity, and corrosion made it a popular additive in a vast array of construction materials for much of the 20th century. If your home or commercial building was constructed before the 1980s, there’s a significant chance asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present.
Identifying asbestos by sight alone is impossible. However, you should be aware of common materials that historically contained it:
- Insulation: Attic and wall insulation (especially vermiculite), pipe and boiler insulation.
- Flooring: Vinyl floor tiles, sheet flooring, and the adhesives used to install them.
- Ceilings and Walls: “Popcorn” ceilings, textured paints, plaster, and drywall joint compounds.
- Roofing and Siding: Cement shingles, siding, and roofing felt.
- Piping: Cement pipes and pipe wrap (transite).
Asbestos-containing materials are generally considered safe when left intact and undisturbed. The danger arises when these materials are damaged, crumbled, or disturbed during renovations, repairs, or demolition, releasing microscopic fibers into the air.
The Serious Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become permanently lodged in the lungs and other tissues, leading to severe and often fatal diseases that may not manifest for decades. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. The primary health risks include:
Asbestosis
A chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by scarring of lung tissue, which makes breathing increasingly difficult. Asbestosis is caused by long-term, heavy exposure to asbestos fibers.
Lung Cancer
Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer. This risk is compounded exponentially for individuals who also smoke.
Mesothelioma
A rare but aggressive cancer that affects the thin membranes lining the lungs, chest cavity, and abdomen. Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure and can develop even after short-term or low-level exposure.
Due to these grave health consequences, handling and removing asbestos is a task strictly for certified professionals. Attempting a DIY removal is not only illegal in many circumstances but also incredibly dangerous for you, your family, and your neighbors.
The Professional Asbestos Abatement Process
Professional asbestos abatement is a highly regulated and meticulous process designed to eliminate the hazard without cross-contamination. While every project is unique, a certified team like Apex Home Services follows a strict protocol.
Step 1: Inspection and Testing
The first step is always a professional inspection by a certified inspector. They will carefully take samples of suspected materials and send them to an accredited lab for analysis to confirm the presence and type of asbestos.
Step 2: Containment and Preparation
Before removal begins, the work area is completely sealed off from the rest of the property using thick plastic sheeting and negative air pressure machines. This creates a contained environment that prevents fibers from escaping into unaffected areas. Warning signs are posted to alert everyone of the restricted zone.
Step 3: Safe Removal
Technicians wearing specialized personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, enter the contained area. They use specialized tools and techniques, such as wetting the materials to minimize dust, to carefully remove the ACMs. This step requires expertise to avoid breaking the materials and releasing fibers. After removal, the area may need other services like water damage restoration if leaks were involved.
Step 4: Decontamination and Cleaning
After removal, the entire containment zone is meticulously cleaned using HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums and wet-wiping methods to capture any lingering fibers. Air quality testing is often performed to ensure the area is safe for re-occupancy.
Step 5: Proper Disposal
Asbestos waste is considered hazardous. It must be carefully sealed in leak-proof, labeled bags and transported by permitted haulers to a designated landfill that is licensed to accept asbestos waste, following all local, state, and federal regulations.
Asbestos Concerns for Residents of North Las Vegas, Nevada
Properties in North Las Vegas, particularly those built before the nationwide asbestos bans in the 1980s, are at a higher risk of containing asbestos materials. Furthermore, Southern Nevada has naturally occurring asbestos deposits, which can sometimes be found in soil and dust. Whether you are planning a renovation, dealing with storm damage, or simply want peace of mind, it is crucial for property owners in the North Las Vegas area to be vigilant. Professional testing and abatement services are essential to ensure the safety of your home and protect against environmental contamination. At Apex Home Services, we are deeply familiar with the challenges and regulations specific to our communities.
Don’t Risk Your Health. Contact the Professionals.
If you suspect your home or business may contain asbestos, the first step is a professional assessment. The certified team at Apex Home Services provides expert asbestos testing, abatement, and removal to ensure your property is safe and compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does asbestos abatement cost?
The cost of asbestos removal varies widely based on factors like the amount and type of material, its location and accessibility, and the size of the containment area. It’s best to get a detailed estimate from a certified abatement contractor.
Can I just cover or seal asbestos instead of removing it?
This process, known as encapsulation or enclosure, is a viable option in some cases where the asbestos is in good condition. It involves sealing the asbestos material to prevent fiber release. However, removal is often the most permanent and recommended solution, especially if you plan future renovations.
How long does the asbestos removal process take?
The timeline depends on the project’s scope. A small residential job might take a day or two, while a large commercial project could take weeks. The process includes setup, removal, cleaning, and third-party air clearance testing.
Do I need to leave my house during the abatement?
Yes. For your safety, you and your pets will need to vacate the property during the abatement process and until the area has passed clearance air testing, confirming it is safe to re-enter.
My house was built after 1990. Could it still have asbestos?
While less likely, it’s not impossible. Certain materials may have been stockpiled and used after the primary bans. If you have any concerns, especially before a renovation, professional testing is the only way to be certain.