Building Renovations and Asbestos

When it comes to renovating your building, it's crucial to address the presence of asbestos. Even though it's more common in older buildings, it can still be found in newer ones, posing a significant health risk. Before you dive into any renovations, it's essential to assess the potential dangers and promptly call for professional abatement services if necessary.

Asbestos in the building

Interestingly, asbestos has actually been used in buildings in the United State for hundreds of years. It is considered an excellent material to use because it is resistant to fire, is a strong material (in spite of being relatively lightweight), and cement adheres to it easily. It was used extensively until scientists discovered that once it became airborne, asbestos could cause a number of illnesses and is a leading cause of mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer of the lungs’ lining. 

Restrictions on the use of asbestos for buildings were originally placed in 1973 and by 1989 it was almost banned completely. In 1991, the federal courts overturned the last ban and today the U.S. is one of a handful of developed nations that has not completely banned the use of asbestos. It is still used in a number of construction materials today, but they are produced so that the asbestos is contained and shouldn’t pose any health issues.

Illnesses from Asbestos

When asbestos is inhaled, its tiny fibers can lodge in the lungs. Over time, they will accumulate there and cause damage. Exposure to asbestos can be responsible for pleural effusions, which are a buildup of fluid between the lungs and the wall of the chest, pleural plaque, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos Products

Currently, asbestos is banned in flooring felt, rollaboard, corrugated paper, or commercial and specialty paper. Additionally, pipe-insulation, wall patching compound, artificial fireplace embers, and spray-applied surfacing material cannot contain asbestos. Asbestos cannot be added to new products or materials that have not historically contained asbestos.

However, there are still a number of products that can contain asbestos. These products include vinyl floor tiles, roofing felt, pipe wrap, cement shingles, and more. This makes building asbestos almost inevitable if it was built prior to the ban.

Remodeling with Asbestos

If the asbestos in your building is well contained, you probably don’t have to be very concerned with removal. Older buildings (built before the mid-1980’s) have the greatest risk of asbestos exposure during a remodel. If you are concerned about being exposed to asbestos, contact a professional asbestos abatement company, such as CRC. Professionals know how to best remove asbestos safely and effectively, without exposing anyone.

Materials that Could Be an Issue

It is important to understand which materials are likely to have asbestos. Problematic materials should be removed by an asbestos abatement professional. These materials include:

• Older vinyl or linoleum along with the glue used
• Insulation
• Outdoor siding
• Decorative plaster
• Drywall patching and joint compound
• Flat roofing materials

If you are performing building renovations and asbestos is found, contact us here at CRC. Even if you’re not sure what to look for, we recommend that you stop right away if you see white fibrous material breaking apart when you demolish or remove any materials and clear the area. Contact our professionals, and we’ll send someone out right away for a professional assessment.