Asbestos Consulting and Testing – What You Need to Know

Most homeowners don’t realize the importance of hiring a licensed professional contractor to conduct the necessary asbestos inspections and removal services. Unfortunately, many homebuyers fail to take the time to find a dependable, trustworthy company that will properly protect their investment. A lack of education about environmental compliance, and the laws governing asbestos removal and protection are the leading cause of these accidents. Along with lack of education, is often a lack of experience. As a result, most homeowners don’t make the right decision regarding whether to engage a professional firm to assist them with these hazardous projects.

There are a number of asbestos consulting and testing companies that specialize in air MD inspections and removal projects. They are highly trained professionals who will provide you with the peace of mind you need when considering a major structural change, including demolitions, renovations or site remediation. The asbestos survey or testing company you choose to work with should be registered with the Illinois Department of Insurance, and have the proper licensing to perform the type of asbestos inspection and removal work you’re looking for. This ensures they are qualified to legally perform work related to the removal of asbestos, as well as adequately document their asbestos coverage and work responsibilities.

In the case of large buildings, asbestos abatement and testing are performed by a structural engineer, one who has direct access to the structure. The engineer is responsible for determining if the structural integrity of the building can be compromised, and what the safest alternative is. Asbestos inspection and removal become essential when demolition is the final outcome. Debris removal is only one step in this process. In fact, if asbestos fibers are found during the inspection or demolition process, it is important to engage an asbestos surveyor to identify the exact source of contamination so it can be safely removed.

When asbestos-containing materials are present in a building, most health experts recommend immediate asbestos testing and abatement. An average person is exposed to asbestos through numerous indoor and outdoor sources, including dust, soil, paints, insulation, products and beverages. In addition, asbestos is found in many types of construction materials and products, including ceiling tiles, floor tiles, pipe fittings, asbestos-cement sheets and fiberboard. Even building materials used to support structures that contain asbestos can create hazards.

If asbestos is located in your home or office, whether it is a structure or a product, it may not be in a good condition to allow people to move freely within the structure or place them in rooms. It is also not a good condition to allow people to sit on top of asbestos-containing materials. For example, tiles made from asbestos must be removed and properly discarded. Otherwise, they will cause the same health risks as sitting directly on the asbestos. As a result, it is often required that asbestos-containing materials be removed or replaced.

If you are considering hiring an asbestos abatement or testing company, it is a good idea to research local firms to make sure that companies are certified and experienced in dealing with your particular type of home inspection, pest control issues, moisture control and mold remediation. There are many federal agencies (the EPA and USDA) and state programs (such as DEHP and MHA) through which you can get information about these types of companies. They should work with you closely to ensure that you understand the scope of their work and if they are certified and licensed to do the work that they do. The goal is to work with you to establish an accurate schedule of work, to conduct all necessary testing and abatement as needed and to provide you with a written report detailing the results of the testing and abatement.

You should be aware that asbestos inspection and testing are not something that you can do yourself. If you suspect that there may be asbestos in your home, it is better to consult with professionals that can both inspect your home and test it for contamination. Some asbestos detection and testing companies will also offer training and education to their clients to help them recognize asbestos and its dangers. Regardless, you should never attempt to treat asbestos yourself. Abatement services are best left to trained professionals and by law.