Asbestos was widely used in building materials until the mid-1970s, but its removal is essential to prevent respiratory problems. Asbestos can be removed by wet stripping or sealed away with paneling, PVC adhesive, or bituminous paint. Protective masks must be worn during removal and certified contractors should be contacted for inspection.
Asbestos is a group of fibers, both natural and man-made, that were used extensively prior to the mid-1970s for insulating buildings, preparing shingles and drywall, and for installing concrete pipes and floor tiles. Although asbestos is still a part of building materials, some fibers are no longer used due to their highly porous texture which makes them more prone to inhalation.
Asbestos removal is essential to prevent a number of serious respiratory problems. Because asbestos can be inhaled and remain in the lungs for several years, it can lead to everything from shortness of breath to coughing, lung cancer and even death.
It is essential to remove asbestos from a building to protect the health of the people who live or work there. Asbestos removal is also the legal responsibility of the building owner and can only be performed by licensed asbestos abatement contractors. Once a building owner identifies the presence of asbestos, he should seek to remove it as soon as possible.
Asbestos can be removed by a number of different methods, although controlled wet stripping is the preferred method because it controls the amount of dust released into the environment during removal. Dry stripping is another popular method of asbestos removal because it is inexpensive and relatively easy to perform. However, dry stripping is not recommended in most cases because it produces a high level of dust.
If asbestos removal is not feasible, it is also possible to seal it away from entering the environment. Sealing is sometimes preferred to removal because it is faster and produces less dust. The fibers can be sealed with paneling or by using PVC adhesive or bituminous paint. Wallpaper and hardboard panels can also be used to seal asbestos as long as a strong adhesive is applied.
Whenever someone attempts to remove asbestos, workers must wear protective masks and label the area so that bystanders are warned of potential hazards. If homeowners think they may have asbestos in their home, they should always contact a certified contractor to inspect the building and confirm these findings.
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