For hundreds of years, asbestos was used as a form of insulation. It was used in spray-on insulation foam, insulation blankets, popcorn ceilings, insulating paint, and much more. Some old buildings have large amounts of asbestos in their walls and ceilings. It has been known for a long time to be a carcinogen, which means that it can cause cancer. Asbestos causes cancer when it is fragmented into fibers and inhaled. It is actually fairly harmless when it is not in fibrous form. That is why there are two basic ways to handle asbestos: asbestos abatement and asbestos removal.
Abating Asbestos
Asbestos abatement in Portland, CT can refer to completely removing asbestos, or just rendering it safe. To render it safe, the asbestos needs to be made so that it cannot be segmented into fibers. As stated earlier, it is only dangerous in its fibrous form. Therefore, asbestos in your basement or your attic can often be left where it is.
The thick paint will seal the asbestos where it is and prevent it from being disturbed and causing fragments. In areas where this is not possible or where this is a lot of foot traffic, you need to remove the asbestos.
Asbestos Removal
The other kind of asbestos abatement is complete removal. Completely removing the asbestos is a job that must be done by professionals. Since it is such a fibrous and lightweight material, it can easily become airborne and endanger other people. The experts will use HEPA vacuums and plastic sheeting to contain different areas while they remove the asbestos. By using HEPA filters and plastic sheeting, the asbestos won’t be able to escape to other parts of the house or neighborhood. They will move room to room, clearing the asbestos out.
