Asbestos Survey
Asbestos Abatement in New Hampshire, Maine & Massachusetts
Asbestos is a broad term for a group of fibrous minerals that were used widely in the construction of buildings and in products. More specifically, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States Department of Labor, asbestos was commonly used as materials, in such things as walls, floor tiles, pipes, automobile manufacturing, electrical components, cement, roofing, and many more. As one can see, due to the multifaceted use of asbestos, many places other than building construction can be affected.
There are six different types of asbestos:
- Actinolite asbestos
- Amosite asbestos
- Anthophyllite asbestos
- Chrysotile asbestos
- Crocidolite asbestos
- Tremolite asbestos
The reason asbestos was used so commonly was that asbestos is immune to corrosion, heat, and is extremely durable. It is essentially perfect for construction purposes. However, the reason that asbestos is no longer used in a majority of construction jobs and products is because of the harm it causes to individuals and workers. Now classified as a hazardous material, the tiny particles that make up asbestos are absorbed through the respiratory system creating various health problems and cancer.
Hazards associated with asbestos include:
- Mesothelioma – a specific form of cancer that comes from asbestos exposure. It occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds the lungs and other internal organs.
- Asbestosis – a disease where scars are formed in the lungs from prolonged exposure to asbestos, causing difficulties in breathing. There is no cure.
- Lung cancer and other diseases
Call Our Asbestos Assessment Team to Schedule an Inspection
Due to the toxic nature of asbestos, it is important that you get your environment surveyed by a professional, independent of any abatement or remediation contractors. Following a survey, asbestos can be removed; however, it is an extremely technical process that requires the appropriate protective gear and the knowledge regarding the condition of the asbestos. Typically, asbestos in good condition doesn’t represent a hazard; but when deteriorated or impacted by renovation or demolition work, asbestos can become airborne, resulting in human exposure and harm to the environment. That is why it is best to contact a licensed professional for all your asbestos needs. Furthermore, there are federal, state, and local regulations that must be followed.
RPF Environmental offers the following asbestos services:
- Asbestos assessment
- Waste characterization
- Air, water, and surface dust testing and analysis
- Litigation support
- Accredited laboratory analysis
- Remediation design, bid, and contract administration
Call (888) 293-0619 today to speak to a certified asbestos inspection professional.
