What to Expect from an Asbestos Inspector Washington, D.C.

Testing Methods Used By an Asbestos Inspector in Washington, D.C.

A majority of homes built in the U.S. before 1980 contain some form of asbestos. Prior to listing or purchasing a residence, undergoing demolition or renovation, or making improvements to your heating and cooling system, you will need to contact an asbestos inspector for your Washington, D.C. home or business property.

Envirotex is a licensed, asbestos inspection and abatement contractor. We offer:

• Safe and vigilant containment and removal following the highest safety procedures
• Thorough site decontamination
• Lawful disposal
• All asbestos testing performed by an independent, certified lab

Asbestos was praised as a versatile material when it first entered the manufacturing stream in the 1940's due to its properties of tensile strength, insulation, and soundproofing. It was mixed into hundreds of building products such as insulation, flooring, siding, roofing, fireproofing, and various construction compounds. Scientific testing in the 1980's confirmed fears that when nanoscopic asbestos fibers enter the air, they become a health hazard to humans that inhale them.

Due to the highly toxic nature of friable asbestos (broken down into airborne particulates), extreme caution must be used when testing for its presence. A visual inspection by an experienced inspector is combined with careful collection of material and air samples. Testing should be conducted by an independent third party laboratory certified in asbestos testing.

There are currently two approved methods of analyzing for the presence of asbestos: Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Asbestos particles are often so fine they cannot be detected by microscopic investigation.

Asbestos can create long-term health hazards; however, the hazard of airborne asbestos fibers depends on the condition of the asbestos-containing material, how much air moves through that space, and how often that space is visited.

Asbestos-containing materials in good condition are often not as dangerous as damaged materials. Once damaged, asbestos-containing materials can release asbestos fibers into the air, which can then be inhaled into the lungs and cause many health problems. Therefore, it is extremely important not to disturb, touch, or approach any materials suspected of containing asbestos.

Not all asbestos-containing materials must be immediately removed - and that's where the experts come in. Professional asbestos inspectors can test the suspected material and assess its condition to determine whether the material is a candidate for asbestos removal or "abatement." Asbestos removal is performed according to regulated standards of practice required by jurisdictions of the state or federal government depending on the size of the quantity of asbestos requiring removal.

Once your test results confirm the presence of asbestos, you should receive a written plan of action with recommendations. If the asbestos has not yet deteriorated and become a danger, encapsulation may be recommended. While this is an effective remediation, only complete removal from your Washington, D.C. home or business ensures the asbestos has been abated and the health risk eliminated.

During removal, your contractor should use a HEPA filtered vacuum system and wear approved respirators and disposable clothing. They should also provide a 100% sealed enclosure within which the work will take place. Once the work is complete, a second round of air samples should be taken to ensure the encapsulation or removal has been successful.

Envirotex Environmental Services will inspect your Washington, D.C. home or building and advise on how to handle any asbestos-containing materials. In many cases, asbestos that is intact and in good condition may not necessarily need to be removed. However, asbestos-containing materials subject to disturbance will most likely be candidates for removal.

Before you hire an asbestos inspector in Washington, D.C. make sure to obtain copies of their Washington, D.C. contractor’s license, their certifications, and their EPA/AHERA Asbestos Inspector License.

With the long-term health of your family at stake, make sure you know what to expect from an asbestos inspector in Washington, D.C. Contact the professionals at Envirotex Environmental Services to schedule your Washington, D.C. home or business asbestos inspection today.

About Envriotex Environmental Services

Established in Northern Virginia in 2000, Envirotex Environmental Services was founded on military service. While serving his country, the company's owner Mr. Freeman gained vast knowledge and experience in the environmental services field. His expertise in air monitoring and hazardous materials testing prepared him for his post-military career.