Handling asbestos must be done with care because it is a toxic substance–one that is known to be carcinogenic. If asbestos is in good condition, it usually does not present a hazard. However, damaged or worn asbestos poses a major risk to the safety and health of humans. That is because the fibers can flake off and become airborne.
How Asbestos Becomes Dangerous
When the fibers become airborne, people may inhale the fibers and get them embedded in their chests. After many years, victims exposed to asbestos can develop asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma or asbestosis. That is why it is important to remove an asbestos problem with the help of decontamination services in CT.
A Prevailing Building Material Before the Mid-1980s
Although the use of asbestos basically ended in 1980, many older homes still contain the substance in the form of insulation, ceiling tiles, flooring, siding, or shingles. During demolitions or renovations, the handling of asbestos must be done with care.
Do-It-Yourselfers Beware!
Anyone who is a do-it-yourselfer should never handle asbestos on their own. They need to contract a decontamination services company to abate and remove the substance from their premises. This kind of service features knowledgeable technicians who are experienced in asbestos work–people who wear attire that will safeguard them as they remove and dispose of the material.
According to professionals who offer decontamination services, if your home or building was built before the middle part of the 1980s, it probably contains asbestos. During that time contractors used asbestos in floor tiles, pipe insulation, and attic insulation.
Create an Emergency Kit
You also have to look out for asbestos in recovery areas (such as hurricane or flood zones). In an emergency, it is frequently up to people to safeguard themselves from inhaling asbestos. If you find yourself in such an area, put together an emergency kit that includes a mask. The mask can be used to protect you from inhaling asbestos as well as other airborne toxins and chemicals.
