After a fire has ravaged your home, business, or other property, you likely want to begin diving into the cleanup process to see what you can salvage. However, this often isn’t a safe thing to do. Many buildings were constructed using asbestos; after a fire, that dangerous material may be exposed, which can lead to serious health implications.
The experts at Xtract Environmental explain how to stay safe from asbestos after a fire.
How Common Is Asbestos?
The first thing to understand is just how prevalent asbestos was for many decades. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that occurs in rock and soil. For much of the twentieth century in the United States, it was simply known as a cheap, abundant, and very strong building material. Asbestos was put into nearly everything, from vinyl flooring to insulation to drywall.
Scientists and even factory workers began documenting the harmful effects of asbestos in the early 1900s, but the United States government and business community dragged their feet for decades until court cases in the 1970s resulted in asbestos eventually being banned in new construction. This is why most buildings built before 1980 and even some built before 1990 should be checked for asbestos, especially if remodeling is scheduled.
Can Asbestos Be Burned?
One reason asbestos was so popular was because it’s fire-resistant; however, the burning of materials encasing asbestos fibers releases them into the air, which is where the real danger comes from.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?
So why isn’t asbestos in our building materials now? In the 1930s and 1940s, research began to emerge that linked asbestos to dangerous health conditions. It was soon discovered that asbestos could cause chronic and even deadly diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.
While the U.S. government was initially slow to act, in 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finally banned the use of asbestos; however, they didn’t require it be removed if it was already present in a building. Today, that means countless homes and buildings are still filled with asbestos-contaminated materials.
What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos Is Present After a Fire
One of the safest ways to proceed after a fire in an older building is to assume that the property is contaminated with asbestos. This means you shouldn’t touch or move anything or even enter the building until a professional asbestos abatement company has been able to assess the scene.
If you think you were already exposed, leave the area as soon as possible to avoid further exposure. Then, meet with your doctor to inform them of the potential exposure, and follow any medical recommendations. Keep in mind, though, that the effects of asbestos usually aren’t seen for 10-40 years after exposure.
Hiring an Asbestos Removal Company
Rather than take on any additional risk, it’s best to schedule an asbestos inspection by a state-certified company. The professionals will do a thorough assessment of the entire building. They’ll then take samples of materials they suspect may contain asbestos and send them off to a lab for analysis.
If asbestos is found, the abatement company will follow their strict procedure to isolate and remove any asbestos-affected materials.
Choose the Top Asbestos Abatement Company in Colorado
Partner with a toxic materials removal company that has a proven track record. Our professionals at Xtract Environmental will carefully remove all asbestos-ridden materials from the site of a fire, so you have one less thing to worry about as you move forward from the difficult experience. Contact us today to set up an inspection.