While many facilities are hurting due to the closures resulting from COVID-19, some took advantage of this downtime. Namely, school districts have been using this extended vacancy to overhaul a vitally important and long overdue service: asbestos abatement. To this day, asbestos is still a problem in many schools across the country, and districts are acting to better protect students. While the virus is a danger in and of itself, the COVID-19 closures are facilitating asbestos abatement in schools to increase the safety of school children. [Read more…] about How COVID-19 Closures are Facilitating Asbestos Abatement in Schools
Asbestos
Does Asbestos Have an Effect on the Environment?
Most people are well aware of the negative impacts of asbestos on their health. For centuries this hazardous material has affected the human population, but this risk reaches far beyond contaminating indoor air quality. Far fewer people are aware of asbestos’s effect on the environment, and with construction and demolition projects being performed on older properties, it’s important to become aware of the risk. In this blog, we will discuss the ways asbestos contamination can impact the outdoors. [Read more…] about Does Asbestos Have an Effect on the Environment?
Identifying and Protecting Yourself from Asbestos-Containing Paint
When envisioning flaking paint in older homes, one’s mind often wanders to thoughts of harmful lead inhalation. However, lead is not the only hazardous substance that can be present in paint; asbestos is also an unseen risk. This can endanger homeowners if they plan on remodeling or the paint begins to chip. That’s why it’s so important to identify and protect yourself from asbestos-containing paint. [Read more…] about Identifying and Protecting Yourself from Asbestos-Containing Paint
Why is Asbestos Rampant in U.S. Military Housing?
The United States military is the occupation with the highest number of mesothelioma patients. One-third to one-half of all mesothelioma patients are veterans. Of course, members of the military are exposed to far more environments than your typical American, but it’s primarily due to the asbestos in military family housing that this disease continues to affect our service members. Given what we now know about asbestos, why is asbestos still prevalent in U.S. military housing? [Read more…] about Why is Asbestos Rampant in U.S. Military Housing?
What Types of Electrical Components Potentially Contain Asbestos?
Asbestos was used in an assortment of electrical components during the early days of commercial electricity. Due to the unknown risk at the time, manufacturers would use this hazardous substance for its fireproof quality and to protect people from electrocution. Nowadays, we’re well aware of the dangers of asbestos, but that doesn’t stop it from being present in many older homes. For that reason, it’s important to distinguish what types of electrical components potentially contain asbestos to ensure your home and family are protected. [Read more…] about What Types of Electrical Components Potentially Contain Asbestos?
Violating Asbestos Regulations: How It Can Cost You
Asbestos abatement is an essential step when demolishing a building, as the release of asbestos fibers can contaminate the surrounding area. But not only can dismissing or improperly performing such a vital step compromise the health of workers and nearby residents, but it can also have severe financial repercussions. In April, a Milwaukee real estate company and contractor learned this lesson the hard way when they were hit with a heavy fine for violating asbestos regulations. [Read more…] about Violating Asbestos Regulations: How It Can Cost You
