Asbestos, a natural mineral best known for its strength and resistance to heat and flame, was an incredibly common component in many buildings up until the late 1970s. Today, asbestos is most well-known for being a harmful carcinogen, causing incredibly serious health issues like mesothelioma and several types of lung cancers. Thus, it becomes critical to know how to dispose of asbestos safely, particularly when you’re dealing with older buildings. We’re going to dig into this vital task while also emphasizing the importance of partnering with an experienced professional in the process.
Identifying and Handling Asbestos
Before you learn how to properly dispose of asbestos, it’s essential to know how to correctly identify and handle it. Asbestos was used for a wide range of construction materials, from insulation to floor tiles. It’s typically safe to be around, as long as it’s in good condition and hasn’t been disturbed. The danger of asbestos lies in the materials being disturbed which causes the fibers to break and become airborne. As a safety measure in most cases, avoid touching or disturbing suspected asbestos-containing materials. If you must handle it, ensure you have sufficient safety equipment and personal protective gear, like disposable clothing and respirators.
Asbestos Disposal: A Task for the Professionals
If your home or business has tested positive for asbestos-containing materials, make sure you consider that professionals are much better equipped to do the job properly. Dealing with asbestos removal isn’t as simple or safe as your typical DIY to-do list item. It’s going to take specialized knowledge as well as equipment to make sure you are disposing of the asbestos safely and legally.
Professional asbestos abatement companies like Sensitive Environmental are specially trained to identify, handle, remove, and dispose of asbestos. They are bound by strict guidelines and various safety protocols, ensuring that the asbestos is completely contained and doesn’t pose a risk to public health.
Why Is Professional Disposal Essential?
Professional disposal is essential not only for optimal safety but for legal and regulatory reasons as well. There are strict guidelines and regulations on how and where to dispose of asbestos. It can’t be just any landfill, it has to be one that is authorized to accept hazardous waste.
The asbestos will need to be sealed in thick, leak-proof bags, that are explicitly designed for hazardous materials. These bags must also be clearly labeled, identifying the contents as asbestos waste. Professional abatement services are knowledgeable about these regulations and will ensure your asbestos waste is handled in accordance with them.
How to Choose the Right Asbestos Disposal Company
Not all asbestos professionals eliminate your problem in the same way, and some offer a greatly reduced quality of service. When choosing your asbestos abatement company, consider their qualifications and experience, as well as whether or not they are licensed, insured, and have respectable online reviews. Finally, they should offer a great deal of transparency about their process and offer you a detailed disposal plan.
Partner With Sensitive Environmental For Expert Asbestos Removal
Knowing how to dispose of asbestos is vital information if you’re dealing with hazardous material. While there are temptations to handle it yourself, remember that the task does incorporate significant health risks and potential legal ramifications involved. Your safety, as well as the safety of those around you, is simply too important.
For peace of mind and guaranteed safe disposal, we recommend hiring a local professional like Sensitive Environmental. We have the skills, equipment, and experience you need to stay safe and dispose of your asbestos-containing materials safely. Reach out today with any questions, or to get started.
