Many buildings built before the 1980s contain a dangerous substance called asbestos. As long as it isn’t disturbed, it isn’t likely to harm the occupants of the building. However, when it comes time to do work on the building or if parts of the building are getting worn out and causing dust, it may be necessary to contact a company, that deals with Asbestos Abatement in NYC.
Potential Asbestos Sources
Asbestos is a very strong material that is resistant to heat, so it used to be used in all sorts of building materials. These include insulation, roofing shingles, floor and ceiling tiles, around hot water or steam pipes, in textured paint on ceilings and walls and in certain types of vinyl flooring. Any material that was troweled-on or sprayed-on in the home could be a source.
Potential for Exposure
When the asbestos-containing material is intact, it is often safer to leave it in place than to remove it. However, in times of remodeling, repairing the home or demolishing a home or if the material starts to break down, this asbestos can be released into the air and cause harm to the health of anyone exposed to it. This is why professionals trained in Asbestos Abatement in NYC should deal with the proper removal of this substance rather than a homeowner.
Potential Risks
People exposed to airborne asbestos fibers have an increased risk for lung diseases, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma or lung cancer.
How Asbestos Is Dealt With
Should asbestos be causing a problem, a trained professional may seal or encapsulate the area with asbestos to make it so the fibers won’t be released and cause health problems. Sometimes the asbestos is covered up for the same purpose. Removal is only done when absolutely necessary, as it has a greater potential for causing accidental asbestos exposure. Only hire professionals trained in dealing with asbestos if you’re living in an older home and plan to remodel, and make sure that the person seals off the area with plastic sheeting and turns off the HVAC system to help limit the spread of the fibers.
