Asbestos exposure can cause serious health issues, including cancer. If you think you might have it in your home or business and are unsure what to do, Benchmark Environmental Engineering can help locate and address the problem. The first consideration is whether the material you found is actually asbestos, and the second is deciding what to do about the issue.
What Materials Might Contain Asbestos?
While you might find asbestos in the air and drinking water of some locations, the most severe concerns are large areas of insulation and other building materials where people could come into contact with it frequently. It was commonly used in the past, typically as insulation—but there are other places where you could find asbestos lurking.
- Wall & Attic Insulation
- Siding & Roofing Shingles
- Textured Patching & Paint Compounds
- Vinyl Sheet Flooring & Floor Tiles
- Water Pipe Insulation Or Coating
- Automobile Brakes & Clutches
- Heat-Resistant Fabrics
- Coal & Oil Furnace Door Gaskets
What Can You Do if You Find Asbestos?
If you find asbestos, it’s crucial that you don’t disturb it. Moving it in any way dislodges fibers that can make their way into your lungs. When left undisturbed, these fibers pose less risk, but most people still want it removed safely.
Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Plans
An O&M plan is a formal plan to address asbestos in a particular location. These plans are often made for schools and other commercial buildings constructed when asbestos was commonly used. Having the right plan reduces the risk of removing it, which has to be done under strict guidelines to mitigate any harm.
Asbestos Removal Requirements
Do not try to remove asbestos on your own—it can put you at risk of getting dangerous fibers into your lungs. It’s essential that you don’t disturb anything in your house or business that you think might be asbestos until you know for sure whether it’s safe. Specific removal procedures exist, and it’s imperative to let a professional remediation company handle this toxic material.
- Removal Requires Certified Contractors
- Notification Of The Removal Is Required
- The Area Must Be Sealed During Removal
Find Out if Your Building Has Asbestos Today
If you’re concerned that your building might have asbestos, finding out is the first step toward making an informed decision about your future safety. If you’re in the San Jose, Los Angeles, or San Diego areas, Benchmark Environmental Engineering can provide asbestos testing and inspections that will give you the answers you’re looking for.