4 Helpful Points About Asbestos AbatementAsbestos is a universal term given to a combination of minerals which are known for their heat and flame resistance, indestructible qualities, and strength. It was considered as a miracle mineral for construction of buildings. It was utilized as plasters, pipe and boiler insulation, tiling floors, fireproofing in buildings, and also electrical insulation. It was also used for acoustic insulation on walls and ceilings. Asbestos is indestructible. It is extremely harmful to the body, because the human body is unable to break down, change or digest asbestos. But the symptoms of diseases, which are related to asbestos, do not occur soon after the person has been exposed. Due to its hazardous nature, asbestos has been banned since the mid 70's, by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Considering these factors, there have been constant efforts for the removal and abatement of asbestos.
Here are some helpful points about asbestos: 1. It is not possible for the naked eye to check whether a ceiling tile or pipe contains asbestos. A sample analysis is required to be done of the suspected material, which is to be collected by licensed workers. This material is then to be examined using a polarized light microscopy, under a microscope, in an EHS laboratory. An EHS laboratory is also given the license to practice this by the respective States. Every sample that comes into the laboratory is considered to be positive until it is proven to be otherwise. 2. Asbestos abatement is required only while a house or building is being renovated, remodeled or is under maintenance. Usually, abatement of asbestos is done while procedures of repairing plumbing, or moving of ceiling tiles or any other such activity that involves asbestos is carried on. 3. When asbestos has been disturbed accidentally, emergency abatement is required. This may be caused due to water leaks in a ceiling tile that is contaminated. The area that is affected needs to be evacuated immediately. The air handlers that serve that area are shut down. The spill is then reported to the concerned department, that deals with the matter. Efforts are then made to restore the area that is affected back to its normal occupancy as soon as practical. 4. To avoid spreading of fibers, abatement is done within enclosures. Till the work is completed, the air handling units that serve the area that is affected, are switched off. This is so that the fibers do not spread to other areas. The workers are supposed to wear disposable overalls and respirators in order to protect themselves from the adverse effects of asbestos. The overalls are disposed, so that any fibers that may get attached do not get dispersed into the surrounding areas. After the position has been brought under control, analysis of the samples of the surrounding air is done under a microscope ( phase-contrast ). Based on the evidence, the area is re-cleaned or cleared for re-sampling. After the area has been declared as clear, all the warning signs are cleared and the area is opened for normal occupancy. |