Both the Environmental Protection Agency and Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend leaving asbestos alone unless it is “friable” — that is, flaking or crumbling. Asbestos in this condition is likely to become airborne and hazardous.

 

Removal is the most expensive method of dealing with asbestos and it also has the greatest risk involved because of the large number of fibers that may possibly be released during removal. Friable asbestos that is beyond repair should be removed by a qualified asbestos abatement contractor. Hourly rates run from $200 to $400 estimates.

 

Covering or Sealing Asbestos

Reducing exposure to asbestos by repairing damaged material will involve covering the material or sealing it. Sealing is commonly used for pipe, furnace, and boiler insulation. The sealing process either coats the material, reducing fiber release, or binds the fibers together.

 

A covering can be used instead of sealant, also preventing the release of fibers. Both these methods are relatively cheap when compared with removal, but future removal may still be necessary.

 

Wetting Techniques

The most common way to reduce asbestos emissions during renovation, demolition, cutting or stripping of asbestos material is to use a wetting agent throughout to keep asbestos from becoming airborne. It is important that the material is adequately wet to prevent release.

 

There are different wetting techniques for different types of material. The material should be sealed in containers after removal. A HEPA filter vacuum is essential for cleaning. It is important to never use a vacuum without HEPA filter; it will just spread the asbestos.

 

Today’s technology makes it possible to monitor for asbestos, keep asbestos exposure below permissible limits, and remove the hazard. It protects the health of many people who would otherwise be exposed.

 

Safe Encasement

The Department of Environmental health and Safety (DEHS) has initiated several pilot programs to reduce costs in asbestos abatement, the most successful involving the testing of a product called Safe Encasement, made by Safe Encasement Systems of Las Vegas, Nev. The product seals the asbestos material and prevents it from crumbling and releasing fibers into the air.

 

Safe Encasement consists of two separate applications. One is an encapsulant, which penetrates the fireproofing and bonds it together into a harder, less friable product. The second is an encasement that acts like a “skin coat” to overlay the still somewhat fragile fireproofing. Together the two applications bond to produce a stable, resilient surface that can withstand impact and disturbance.

 

Contact us today to learn more about the dangers of asbestos exposure.