Asbestos abatement is a process of removing or mitigating the effects caused by asbestos – a banned toxic fiber that causes cancer once inhaled. Despite the dangers of asbestos exposure, some people do not realize the risk they put themselves into when going near it. However, you can protect yourself with the following steps.
If you suspect that there’s asbestos insulation on your property or workplace,
1) The first step is to contact an environmental testing company or experienced professional who can test for possible contamination before beginning any further renovations or remodeling projects that could disturb the building materials containing asbestos (i.e., drywall panels).
Once you’ve done that, here are some additional steps you can take to protect yourself from exposure:
2) Cover up using protective gear when approaching the area. This includes masks, gloves, coveralls and boots. The masks should be made from material that doesn’t degrade when it comes into contact with asbestos fibers (i.e., paper), and the gloves should fit snugly so they don’t allow any fibers to get through them.
3) Never disturb asbestos insulation or remove it without first being trained in how to do so properly by a professional asbestos abatement company.
4) Keep children away from areas where there might be asbestos exposure (i.e., where construction work is being done) until the area has been inspected by professionals and deemed safe for them to go back into it again afterwards!
5) Keep dust levels low in your home by using HEPA filters on your HVAC system and vacuuming regularly with a vacuum cleaner equipped with HEPA filters.
6) In the case of demolition work involving asbestos-containing materials, it’s important to have an experienced professional remove them. They will know how to safely handle these materials so they don’t release any fibers into the air while removing them from your home or other area where they may be present.
Bottomline
Hopefully, by now you have a better idea of how to mitigate your risk for asbestos exposure. Follow these steps, and you’ll be in good shape. Most importantly, if you’re ever working on a project that may involve asbestos, make sure to take every safety precaution. Remember that the only way to protect yourself from asbestos is by knowing what it is, where it can be found, and how to avoid exposure.
