Category: Insulation - Topic: Asbestos Was Banned
Before being banned by the Environmental Protection Agency, asbestos was a popular material among manufacturers and was processed into thousands of building materials before 1980. When asbestos fibers are released into the air and inhaled, they can cause or increase the risk of developing incurable lung diseases like lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Asbestos removal must be handled by a licensed and certified hazardous material contractor who will properly remove the hazardous materials according to OSHA regulated practices. Most are also licensed general contractors equipped to handle the repair or remodeling project. Once the furnishings have been removed and the area is sealed off with plastic, powerful fans called negative air machines will remove the air from the space by pumping it through HEPA filters. Workers must wear protective suits and respirators equipped with HEPA filters while removing all hazardous material, which must be placed in a double-layer hazardous waste bag and disposed of through a hazardous waste disposal company.