Asbestos is a term that strikes fear into the hearts of many commercial property owners—and for good reason. Widely used in construction materials throughout the 20th century, asbestos has since been proven to cause severe health issues when its fibers are released into the air and inhaled. While it was once considered a miracle material for its fire resistance and strength, today, asbestos is known for its dangerous connection to life-threatening diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
For those managing older commercial buildings, asbestos could still be present, and its risks are not to be taken lightly. In this blog, we’ll delve into why asbestos remains a hidden danger, how to identify it in commercial properties, and why professional asbestos abatement is the only safe solution. Sensitive Environmental is your go-to team for asbestos abatement in Los Angeles, offering certified asbestos inspection, removal, and management services.
Understanding the Dangers of Asbestos in Commercial Buildings
Asbestos was once a staple in construction, prized for its durability, insulation properties, and fire resistance. In fact, many commercial buildings constructed before the 1980s are likely to contain asbestos materials in some form. However, when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed—whether through renovations, demolitions, or natural wear and tear—the fibers become airborne and pose a serious health hazard.
Inhalation of asbestos fibers is linked to several devastating illnesses. Mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer, directly results from asbestos exposure. The World Health Organization reports that asbestos exposure leads to approximately 125 million workers at risk each year globally. Lung cancer and asbestosis, a chronic lung disease, are also common among those who have been exposed to asbestos over long periods.
The problem with asbestos is that it is often hidden within the infrastructure of commercial buildings, lurking in insulation, tiles, roofing, and even ceiling materials. This is why asbestos in commercial buildings is so dangerous—property owners may be unaware of its presence until it becomes disturbed.
Where Asbestos Hides in Commercial Buildings
For many commercial property owners, the question is: Where can asbestos be found in my building? The answer is that asbestos can be virtually anywhere, particularly in older buildings. Below are some common areas in commercial properties where asbestos is typically found:
- Insulation: Asbestos was commonly used in insulation materials for pipes, boilers, and ducts.
- Flooring: Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesives used to attach them often contained asbestos.
- Ceiling Tiles: Acoustic tiles in ceilings may also contain asbestos fibers.
- Roofing Materials: Asbestos was frequently used in roofing shingles and felt.
- Cement: Certain types of cement used in older buildings included asbestos for added strength.
- Fireproofing: Sprayed-on asbestos material was used in some buildings to increase fire resistance.
If your building was constructed before 1980, or if you are planning to renovate or demolish part of your property, there is a chance asbestos is present. The most important step you can take is to have a professional asbestos inspection performed before any work begins.
Legal and Regulatory Obligations for Commercial Property Owners
In the U.S., the handling of asbestos in commercial buildings is strictly regulated. Both OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) have set guidelines that dictate how asbestos must be managed to protect workers, tenants, and visitors from exposure.
Commercial property owners are legally responsible for identifying and managing asbestos risks. OSHA requires that employers provide a safe working environment, which includes the management of asbestos. If asbestos is discovered, building owners must comply with specific protocols to either encapsulate or remove the material entirely. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties and, more importantly, put people’s health at risk.
Given the complexities of asbestos regulations, it’s crucial to work with a professional asbestos abatement company. This ensures that you meet legal requirements while keeping your building safe for everyone who enters.
The Importance of Professional Asbestos Abatement
Once asbestos has been identified in a building, the next step is safe removal. However, attempting DIY asbestos removal is not only dangerous but also illegal in many jurisdictions. Only licensed and certified asbestos abatement professionals are legally allowed to handle and dispose of asbestos.
The asbestos removal process typically involves several steps, including:
- Inspection: A thorough asbestos inspection is conducted to identify the type and location of ACMs in the building.
- Containment: The area where asbestos is located is sealed off to prevent fibers from becoming airborne.
- Removal: Certified technicians carefully remove the asbestos-containing materials while using specialized equipment to minimize exposure.
- Disposal: The asbestos waste is disposed of at an approved facility according to EPA regulations.
Sensitive Environmental is a trusted asbestos removal company in Los Angeles, providing comprehensive services for commercial buildings. Our team of certified professionals follows strict safety protocols to ensure the asbestos abatement process is completed safely and efficiently.
How Sensitive Environmental Can Help with Asbestos Abatement in Los Angeles
When it comes to asbestos in commercial buildings, time is of the essence. Even if asbestos is undisturbed, its presence poses an ongoing threat, and any renovation or maintenance work can trigger the release of fibers into the air. That’s why it’s critical to take action if you suspect asbestos is present in your property.
At Sensitive Environmental, we specialize in commercial asbestos removal in Los Angeles. With decades of experience in the industry, our team is fully equipped to handle every aspect of asbestos management, from inspections to complete abatement services. We understand the local regulations and work to ensure that your building is not only compliant but also safe for occupants.
Our certified asbestos professionals use the latest technology and safety procedures to ensure that the job is done right the first time. Whether you need a full asbestos inspection or targeted abatement for a specific area of your building, Sensitive Environmental has the expertise to help.
Conclusion
Asbestos is a hidden danger in many older commercial buildings, and the health risks it poses are too severe to ignore. If you manage or own a commercial property in Los Angeles, it’s crucial to ensure that asbestos is properly identified and managed by professionals.
Contact Sensitive Environmental today to schedule an asbestos inspection and take the first step in safeguarding your property and the people who work there. Don’t let asbestos be a hidden threat—act now to protect your building and its occupants.
