You’re probably thinking: What is asbestos and why is it so dangerous?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used in construction materials, insulation, and other products. This mineral is a known carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer. This is the reason why asbestos was banned from use in the United States in the late 1970s.
Today, approximately 1 million U.S. workers who work in industries like construction or painting are at serious risk of asbestos exposure. For example, a painter who works with asbestos may be exposed to high levels of asbestos fibers while working on a building with an old asbestos roof or walls. People who work with asbestos are at risk for developing a serious illness called asbestosis.
As well, as others who are exposed to low levels of asbestos fibers through contact with contaminated soil or dust may be exposed through inhalation. The banning of asbestos has led to its removal from many buildings. Asbestos abatement (removal) can be done by a professional, certified company.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ASBESTOS ABATEMENT IN LOS ANGELES
Asbestos abatement services are required by law to remove all asbestos safely and efficiently, which is why there are companies that specialize in this field. They can help you remove asbestos safely with proper handling and disposal methods.
The asbestos abatement process includes:
- Evaluating the building for the presence of asbestos.
- Deciding on the best method for removing the asbestos.
- Properly dispose of all waste material afterward.
Sometimes, residents may be asked to temporarily relocate if the presence of asbestos is bad enough. The contaminated section of the residence is then sealed off with critical barriers to prevent contamination into other areas.
Sealing an area using polyethylene plastic, duct tape, and negative-air-pressure machines fitted with HEPA filters is a common way to ensure that the space is filled with an airless, sterile atmosphere.
Containment systems are used to prevent the dispersion of airborne particles in indoor spaces. There are many different types of containment, and a good setup is important to ensure that the air created doesn’t leak into the space. If a leak were to occur in your containment system, you would see that the air would leak into the space rather than outside of it.
For asbestos removal, a HEPA vacuum is needed to contain all the asbestos left in the work area. The HEPA vacuum is a specialized domestic vacuum cleaner that has been designed to capture microscopic particles such as asbestos. These particles are too small to be seen without an electron microscope. They are so small that they can pass through the walls of your lungs and cause health issues like lung cancer.
ASBESTOS ABATEMENT SERVICES IN LOS ANGELES
REMOVAL PROCEDURES
Our professional asbestos abatement services in Los Angeles are done carefully and by the book. Typically it is necessary to relocate some residents temporarily if removal is performed on an occupied building. The part of the building from which asbestos is being removed must be sealed off with critical barriers to prevent contamination into other areas. Sealing off an area usually involves using polyethylene plastic, duct tape and negative air pressure machines which are fitted with HEPA filters. This is done so that the contained area is pulling fresh air in, while not allowing asbestos fibers to reach outside of the containment. With a well setup containment with critical barriers, if some sort of a leak were to occur in the containment, the air would leak inwards rather than outside of the containment.
During asbestos removal, special vacuum called a HEPA vacuum is required for asbestos containment (class H) in order to safely clean all asbestos fibers from the work area.
An asbestos-containing building that is going to be demolished is required to have the asbestos removed before ordinary demolition can be undertaken. In some cases, it can take more time and money for the asbestos removal process than the actual demolition. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) must be notified prior to any demolition jobs regardless if asbestos is present or not, and most renovation projects. SCAQMD (South Coast Air Quality Management District) requires a notification for any demolition or renovation job of more than 100 sq. ft.
TOP RATED ASBESTOS ABATEMENT IN LOS ANGELES, CA
Asbestos is a problem that needs to be taken care of by a professional, reputable company. Some buildings that are set to be demolished need to have asbestos abatement done before they can be demolished.
Asbestos abatement is a difficult and often dangerous process. If you’re looking for help, Sensitive Environmental Inc is the best company for the job. We’ve been operating for years and provide top-rated asbestos abatement in California.
Our team is made up of highly skilled individuals who are passionate about what they do. They work long hours and stay up late when needed to ensure that their work is done correctly, on time, and within every client’s budget.
We understand how important it is to find a company for asbestos removal, and a member of our staff will be more than happy to speak with you. Don’t hesitate to give us a call!
We are available 24/7, whenever you need us. When asbestos is the problem, we’re here to take care of it in the most efficient way possible. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.