Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Crucial Facts About Asbestos Removal Projects

By John Hopkins, Julie gelman, Igor Kovosky

"Asbestos" is a word that insights fear in many homeowners. The presence of the material in most homes built before the mid-1970s is hard to escape. But because the potential dangers are significant, it is important to approach asbestos removal carefully, with the help of experienced professionals.

Asbestos becomes dangerous when it disintegrates, tears, or is disturbed to the point that it releases its tiny fibers into the air. Inhaling the carcinogenic fibers can cause lung cancer and other serious respiratory ailments. Because of these risks, it is crucial to hire experienced professionals to remove the material from your home if necessary.

Removal is not always necessary. Some experts recommend that it not be removed unless the fibers have been exposed and have become airborne. Encapsulation can often effectively prevent airborne exposure. A homeowner ought check for tears or disintegration regularly, but the typical cause for removal is construction, installation, or other work that could disturb the asbestos or involve the replacement of fixtures or appliances filled or covered with it.

If removal is necessary, consult a home building inspector or industrial hazard specialist to have them survey and assess the condition of the material in your home. The money you spend on the inspection, may save you money on removal. They can tell you what needs to be removed, what can be contained, and what process a removal contractor should use to do the job. Then contact reputable removal contractors for bids.

There are a number of local, state, and federal regulations regarding the removal of asbestos. Your contractor should adhere to these explicitly. Also make sure the contractor's plan aligned with the recommendations from the inspection. Be ready to have to stay away from your home during the job, and make sure the details of clean up and disposal are specified in the contract.

There is no need to panic about asbestos removal in your home. But if you need to have it removed, take careful steps to ensure your and your family's safety. Be sure to contact reputable specialists, and you will have little to worry about.

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