Asbestos and Preventing Exposure to Arlington, VA Families
Asbestos, a fibrous mineral, is microscopic in nature. It is exceptionally durable, resistant to fire and can be extremely hazardous to a person’s health. Homes built in Arlington, VA before 1980 most likely contain asbestos in floor and ceiling tiles, roofing shingles, siding, insulation, pipe cement and joint compound. Even some newer homes may contain asbestos.
Asbestos can still be found in Arlington, VA workplaces for industries such as welding and brake and auto repairs. Older appliances found in thrift and antique stores in Arlington, VA could even contain asbestos. As much as these products may look to be intact, indeed, they may well be in a state of deterioration. These could be products that generated heat or protected from heat such as a potholder, also children’s clothing that were fire or chemical retardant, manufactured before 1979.
How to Prevent Asbestos Exposure?
- Know where to look.
- Drywall
- Plaster
- Flooring materials such as vinyl tiles
- Roofing materials
- Fireproof materials such as fire blankets and fire doors
- Caulk
- Insulation
- Do not disturb materials.
- If you suspect asbestos-containing materials in your Arlington, VA home, do not touch or move the materials. If you disturb these materials in any way, it can release airborne fibers which are dangerous when inhaled.
- Do not sand, saw, cut, drill, or hammer asbestos-containing materials.
- Do not vacuum, sweep, or dust.
- Call in a professional.
- Be safe. If you are unsure of materials that might contain asbestos, call a professional for an asbestos inspection.
- If you are aware that you do have asbestos, leave it alone. Call the local experts in Arlington, VA for an asbestos remediation.
Asbestos should only be handled by an Arlington, VA professional environmental company such as Envirotex. With over fifteen years experience, Envirotex is a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. They are equipped to do the initial testing for asbestos by sending it off to an independent lab. Once the results come back and if you have positive results they can then plan the best way to make your home in Arlington, VA safer for you and your family. Either proper containment or the removal of the asbestos or both will be done by an experienced team with the appropriate equipment to complete the job to your satisfaction.
