Beginning in the late 19th century, asbestos has been used for industrial and commercial purposes. Asbestos fibers are present in textiles, insulation pipes, cement and roof shingles, to mention a few. It was only in the 1940s that diseases connected with asbestos have been determined such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Either the afflicted person inhaled or swallowed particles of asbestos that float in the air triggering the disease. To protect further exposure from the harmful effects of asbestos dust and fibers, the government laid down laws regulating the use of asbestos. Effective asbestos removal procedures are also being developed so that these dangerous elements will cause no further damage.
Majority of the old buildings contain asbestos and therefore is a reason for concern for those who are aware of the threat posed by this mineral. There may be cases that the asbestos utilized may slowly mix the air, which will then build up in the person exposed to such. The likelihood that the occupants of the structure will inhale the dusts or fibers is high. Although it may be years before an asbestos-related ailment may be diagnosed, the degree may already be severe to treat. To protect the maintenance workers as well as the tenants of the buildings, the proprietor must implement safe asbestos removal procedures. The corresponding rules likewise require that only a certified entity can perform asbestos removal procedures prescribed by law.
Safety measures must be strictly observed when asbestos removal procedures are to be conducted. If a building that contains asbestos is to be torn down, one common practice in asbestos removal procedures is that the area should be sealed to avoid the asbestos fiber from being airborne. Enclosure ought to be the principal objective since the adverse effects of asbestos have been identified through research and studies. There are entities that specialize in asbestos removal procedures. These organizations need to be duly approved by the authorized government agency. The safety of the workers in charge of the asbestos removal procedures must be protected to avoid the possibility of developing illnesses linked to asbestos.
The owner of a building is responsible for minimizing the effects of asbestos in case the material is damaged. Two options are available – sealing or removal. Sealing is the better alternative because it is cheaper. There are those who prefer asbestos removal procedures despite it being costlier and riskier. The use of technology, however, has discovered new ways to make these methods more efficient.