When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, the fibers can break off and become airborne, making the very air you breathe become toxic. Removing the threat of asbestos fibers from the air is an important task, which is why many people resort to using high-efficiency particulate arrestor – or HEPA – air filters in their respirators and air-purifying equipment. In this article, we describe how effectively HEPA air filters remove asbestos from the air. [Read more…] about Can HEPA Air Filters Remove Asbestos from the Air?
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How to Limit Humidity to Prevent Mold in Your Home
Humidity in your home can affect more than just your comfort. If your home suffers from high humidity, there is a greater risk of mold growth, which in turn can affect your health. Taking steps to limit humidity to prevent mold growth in your home can ensure you are not putting yourself at health or financial risks. [Read more…] about How to Limit Humidity to Prevent Mold in Your Home
Steps to Identifying Asbestos Mastic in Your Flooring
You’ve finally decided to replace that outdated flooring in the kitchen. But before you start chipping away at the old tiles, you should ensure that you’re not unknowingly exposing yourself to asbestos mastic – a black, oily, fibrous substance used to adhere tiles and vinyl flooring to the subfloor. To make sure you and your family are protected, be sure to learn the steps to identifying asbestos mastic in your flooring. [Read more…] about Steps to Identifying Asbestos Mastic in Your Flooring
Tokyo Olympic Games: Emergency Leads to Asbestos Countermeasures
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fter asbestos was discovered in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games water polo swimming center, the Tokyo metropolitan government and Olympic organizers agreed to begin taking action to contain the asbestos. With spectators from around the world reporting to the venue for the Olympic Games, this situation is a testament to the importance of scheduling an inspection and having a plan to enact asbestos countermeasures early in the process of any project.
How Was the Asbestos Discovered?
Back in 2017, while making plans to install handrails and increase the venue’s handicap accessibility, an asbestos inspection was conducted before renovations began. The inspection led to the discovery of asbestos in the water polo venue, which had been sprayed onto fireproof covering material on two column bases supporting the roof. Against their better judgment, the government deemed the material’s location and condition were not a cause of concern and refused to enact immediate measures, despite the known risks.
Why the Emergency?
Due to convenience, the venue was originally sprayed with asbestos-containing fireproofing and insulation. However, spray-on asbestos has been linked to several health hazards including mesothelioma and other types of cancer. This is especially concerning as spray-on asbestos is a friable substance, so any disturbance – such as renovations – can result in the asbestos becoming airborne and inhaled. Since the venue is due for an increase in traffic, the government has officially called for emergency measures to contain the asbestos.
What Countermeasures are Planned?
The 2020 Tokyo Games Organizing Committee has proposed to use sheets to cover the treated sections, along with unspecified additional measures. The proposed solution – a process known as asbestos abatement – called for the encapsulation of the asbestos using sheets to seal, bind, and contain the potential contamination. This is a convenient and inexpensive method of asbestos abatement, costing an average of $2 to $6 per square foot. While this protects the asbestos from damage in the short term, it is hoped that after the Olympics, the venue will invest in the removal of the asbestos.
Despite being a relatively new building, having been opened in 1993, the venue still contains asbestos, which is why the age of a building shouldn’t determine the importance of an asbestos inspection. Even in the United States, we struggle with banning asbestos, making it a continuous threat to public health. Here at Fiber Control, Inc., we are experienced asbestos abatement contractors dedicated to asbestos removal and remediation, Lead RRP, mold remediation, and selective demolition. Contact us today to for help deploying asbestos countermeasures on your contaminated home or commercial property.
What’s Involved in a Lead Paint Inspection?
A legacy of old homes, businesses, and institutions, lead paint poses a health risk in deteriorating buildings, during renovations and demolitions, and with children present. If you find yourself in any of these situations, before any work for renovation – especially repainting interiors – you should (and may be required to) inspect and test for lead paint. Learn what a lead paint inspection entails and why it goes hand-in-hand with the Lead RRP process.
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Spray-on Asbestos: Insulation and Fireproofing in Old Homes and Buildings
Spray-on insulation and fireproofing has always been the quickest and most convenient way of quickly applying these features to a building. Typically found in unfinished interiors in homes or commercial buildings such as warehouses, this spray-on might be exposed to the elements or hidden behind walls, ceilings, or floors. In buildings made before the 1990s, there is a chance that this product was spray-on asbestos – potentially being a health hazard in these old homes or buildings. [Read more…] about Spray-on Asbestos: Insulation and Fireproofing in Old Homes and Buildings
