Asbestos Abatement
Numerous buildings contain asbestos in a variety of locations. It was used in spray-applied flame-retardant thermal insulation systems, and in a wide variety of other locations throughout buildings. Skyscrapers are even known to have had asbestos mixed into the cement that forms much of their structure. The material could also have been flocked above false ceilings, applied within technical ducts, and a huge number of other tight spaces that presented problems for firefighters to access.
In homes and apartment buildings, asbestos was frequently a key material or ingredient in flocked ceilings known as “popcorn” or “cottage cheese” ceiling. This use was banned in 1978 but the ban allowed builders and contractors to apply their existing stock until the supply ran out, which means homes built as many as eight years after the ban could still have asbestos in their ceilings.
A key thing to remember when dealing with asbestos is that it is not necessarily a risk to the majority of users of a particular building. Depending on the site and method of application, asbestos could pose little risk. However, if the asbestos is jostled or otherwise disturbed, tiny and potentially deadly fibers could be released into the air.
Removal or abatement of asbestos is a tricky process. If the building is occupied at the time asbestos abatement is proceeding, the occupants of the building, whether residential or commercial, will have to be relocated, at least temporarily. The area from which the asbestos is being removed must be sealed off to prevent the fibers from escaping to other areas of the building. Even if the building is not occupied, the affected area still needs to be sealed to prevent contaminants from escaping into any accessible areas of the building.
For more information on asbestos abatement and asbestos in general, please call 1-800-781-3955.
