Between the late 1800s and the 1980s, asbestos was a prevalent material in the construction of most residential and commercial
structures. Due to the fact that the naturally occurring chemical is resistant to heat, it was frequently employed for fireproofing and
insulation. However, by the late 1980s, it had become clear that this established carcinogen posed a risk to humans.

EPA Asbestos Regulations

Beginning in 1989, the EPA prohibited the use of asbestos materials in residential and commercial buildings. This decision, however, was
reversed, and only a partial prohibition was enacted.

Some asbestos-containing items are still made and used in buildings today. It is critical to get your home or commercial structure tested,
even more so if you intend to demolish it.

Along with the prohibition of some asbestos goods, the EPA requires manufacturers of asbestos products to notify the agency. The EPA
inspects all reported materials rigorously to assess their safety for public use.

The Clean Air and Water Act also makes reference to asbestos goods. The act is primarily concerned with the handling of asbestos
products in the course of renovating and demolishing older properties. The law is meant to safeguard workers against hazardous
exposure that could result in future health concerns.

How Much Risk Are You Taking?

If you live or work in an older structure, particularly one built before 1980, it is quite possible that the structure contains asbestos.

The following are common places for asbestos: Floor and ceiling tiles

Shingles Siding

Insulation of interior walls and ducts

Additional structures

Simply possessing asbestos-containing products in the home is unlikely to pose a significant risk of lung injury to you or your family.
Generally, asbestos is self-contained, so your risk of exposure is low if the asbestos-containing materials are physically sound and in
good shape.

When products containing the substance are broken or disturbed, your risk of exposure increases. For instance, if a fracture occurs in a
floor tile, the tile may leak minute particles into the air. As structures age, they become more prone to this type of deterioration.

Check for potential damage to tiles, shingles, siding, insulation, and other typical asbestos-containing materials around your property prior
to asbestos removal. Examine the structure for cracks, holes, water damage, or other obvious symptoms of structural deterioration. If
building components look worn or damaged, it’s probably time to get your property inspected by professionals.

You can use the Asbestos Removal 247at-home testing kit to conduct an asbestos inspection, discover if your home contains asbestos,
and determine the degree of asbestos in the property.

How to Prepare for Removal Properly

If asbestos is discovered in your building, one of the most effective ways to address the issue is to have it removed.

Have an expert inspect your house or commercial structure prior to removing asbestos and/or investing in remodelling. The Clean Air and
Water Act provides the following:

“The requirements require a thorough inspection of the area to be demolished or renovated. When structures are renovated, asbestos-
containing building materials are removed or disturbed.

While it may be tempting to save money, it is strongly advised that you DO NOT attempt demolition or asbestos removal on your own.

Individuals who work with or remove asbestos-containing items have a significant risk of exposure.These things must be handled and
disposed of appropriately; merely throwing them in the trash could endanger you and contaminate the water and air.

Professionals have the equipment and training necessary to do the task safely for you, your family, and your neighbors.

EPA Rules for Commercial Buildings

Many of the same standards and regulations that apply to asbestos inspection and removal in residential buildings also apply to
commercial structures. However, the EPA has developed particular standards for the operation and maintenance of commercial buildings
in order to minimise the danger of asbestos exposure.

Numerous requirements require the cleaning and treatment of areas of the building that may contain asbestos. When developing an
operations and maintenance programme for a commercial facility, the EPA suggests cleaning and handling techniques that assist in
maintaining the integrity of asbestos-containing materials, thus lowering the likelihood of exposure. Due to the fact that damaged
asbestos-containing materials release dangerous particles into the air, the EPA recommends maintaining all materials in good condition.

The agency categorises its materials as follows:

Insulation against the elements
Material that is exposed

Miscellaneous

The EPA provides different recommendations for cleaning and handling materials in each of these categories, but emphasises the
importance of properly training all operations and maintenance personnel. If you own or operate a commercial facility, particularly one
constructed prior to 1980, it is critical to have a comprehensive training programme in place for all employees who may come into contact
with asbestos-containing materials.

Commercial structures include the following: retail establishments, office buildings, and warehouses.

Apartment structures with multiple units

Shopping centres

Hospitals

Other structures

To protect children, the EPA has developed distinct criteria for schools, although the guidelines apply to the majority of other commercial
buildings as well.

Before allowing maintenance employees to undertake repairs or work on projects that require drilling or disturbing elements of the
structure, they must be trained to identify which components contain asbestos and how to avoid disturbing them. Additionally, the EPA
requires that workers who may be exposed to asbestos be adequately protected when handling asbestos-containing materials.

Numerous houses and commercial structures in cities and places with older construction are likely to have asbestos-containing materials.
The EPA recommends maintaining asbestos materials in good condition to protect you and your family in your home and maintenance
employees, customers, and building occupants in commercial structures.

If asbestos-containing materials get damaged or if you decide it’s time to renovate the building, contacting Asbestos Removal 247 to
check and remove asbestos-containing materials professionally will ensure everyone’s safety.