Asbestos is a mineral that is found naturally and has been widely used in the construction and manufacturing industries for its insulating and heat-resistant properties. It consists of small, fibrous crystals that are easily inhaled into the lungs, causing serious health issues such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Although once considered a miraculous substance, its hazardous health effects have caused a decrease in its usage in recent years. Despite being prohibited in many countries, asbestos is still present in various products and buildings, posing a continuing threat to people and the environment. To manage it safely and responsibly, asbestos testing and removal require specific expertise and precautions to protect human health and the ecosystem.
Types of Asbestos You Should be Aware of:
- Chrysotile (white asbestos) – the most commonly used type of asbestos, often used in the construction industry for insulation, fireproofing, and roofing.
- Amosite (brown asbestos) – used primarily in thermal insulation products, such as pipe insulation.
- Crocidolite (blue asbestos) – the most hazardous type of asbestos, used mainly for insulation and in cement products.
- Tremolite – is often found in talc products, vermiculite insulation, and chrysotile asbestos.
- Anthophyllite – is found in some types of insulation products and construction materials.
- Actinolite – is found in some vermiculite products, as well as building materials such as cement.
The Side Effects of Asbestos Exposure:
Based on recent findings, researchers discovered a significant increase in asbestos-related diseases in seven out of the eight categories examined as the level of asbestos consumption increased. Among men, there was a gradual increase in mortality rates of 2.4 deaths per million for mesothelioma with each increment in asbestos consumption level. Among women, the increase was 1.8. Nations that had minimal past usage of asbestos exhibited limited occurrences of related diseases, while countries with increasing levels of asbestos consumption experienced a significant surge in mortality rates.
Steps for a Safe Asbestos Removal:
-
Inspection and assessment:
A licensed asbestos inspector will inspect the property to identify the presence and condition of asbestos materials. Samples of suspected materials may be taken for laboratory analysis.
-
Asbestos removal plan:
Based on the inspection results, a licensed asbestos contractor or waste management provider will develop a safe and effective asbestos removal plan that meets local, state, and federal regulations. The plan should include procedures for setting up containment areas, removing and treating asbestos-containing materials and decontaminating the area and equipment.
-
Set up containment area:
The area should be sealed off with plastic sheeting to prevent the release of asbestos fibers. The containment area should have negative air pressure and an air filtration system to ensure that any released asbestos dust is captured and filtered out.
-
Wet asbestos-containing materials:
To prevent the release of asbestos fibers, the materials should be wetted down with water or a special wetting agent before removal.
-
Remove asbestos materials:
The asbestos-containing materials should be carefully removed and placed in leak-tight bags or containers labelled as asbestos waste.
-
Decontaminate the area:
After the removal is complete, the work area and equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated using specialized techniques and equipment.
-
Proper and Safe Treatment:
Asbestos waste should be transported and disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
-
Asbestos testing:
After the removal and decontamination process, a licensed asbestos inspector should conduct final clearance testing to ensure that the work area is safe for re-occupation.
PT Matic: Your Licensed and Trusted Partner to Detect, Test and Safely Remove all Types of Asbestos
PT Matic has the necessary expertise and equipment to ensure that asbestos removal is carried out in a safe and efficient manner, in compliance with all relevant regulations and standards. The company is fully licenced for asbestos removal works and takes great care to minimize disruption to the surrounding environment and community during the removal process, while employing rigorous safety protocols to protect the health of its workers and clients.
Contact us for more: https://ptmatic.com.mt/contact-us/