Safe Asbestos Removal During the Fire Damage Restoration Process

Understanding the Asbestos Issue

Asbestos is a mineral fiber. Homes built prior to 1980 might have asbestos materials in them. The Consumer Product Safety Commission lists some of the products and materials from this era that might have asbestos, and they include steam pipes, boilers, floor tiles, gaskets on wood or coal stoves, insulation, material sprayed on walls, patching and joint compounds, roofing, shingles, and siding. 

Normally, just having asbestos-containing materials is not a problem. As long as it’s not disturbed or physically deteriorating, it will just remain there in a stable and intact form. If the asbestos is damaged, however, that’s when issues tend to occur. The fibers go into the air, and you and your family can inhale them. Nothing will happen right away, but if you’re exposed to asbestos over a period of time or if you’re exposed to a high level of asbestos, you can eventually develop lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis, which is a lung disease.

The high temperatures of a house fire can cause these materials to break down and release fibers into the air. Fire damage restoration efforts that don’t address the asbestos can increase the risk of exposure, so after a house fire in an older home, it’s imperative to have the home tested and, if needed, treated for asbestos.

Removing Asbestos Safely

As I’ve already mentioned, you should not attempt to remove asbestos on your own. Trained professionals really need to be the ones to address this serious health issue. 

First, they’ll assess the situation. Your fire damage restoration professional will conduct a thorough inspection and may take samples to be analyzed in a lab. This will let them know not only what type of asbestos is present but also how much of it.

Based on the findings, they’ll develop an asbestos removal plan. They’ll need to contain it to the room or rooms where it’s found, and they’ll need to keep themselves and you safe. When the time comes to begin, anyone in the home will be wearing specialized gear, such as gloves, eye protection, respirators, and disposable coveralls. 

The rooms affected will be isolated with plastic sheeting. Negative air pressure will also often be used. The goal is to prevent the asbestos fibers from moving into other rooms while they’re being cleaned up.

The actual removal techniques will depend on what materials the asbestos is found in or on. Wet removal can minimize the release of fibers into the air. If asbestos-containing materials need to be broken down in order to be removed, that will be done with care to prevent spreading the fibers. 

Once everything is cleaned up, the company will need to perform some procedures to ensure the materials are disposed of properly. They might include double-bagging materials and labeling them as hazardous. They need to be taken to approved disposal sites.

Finding an Asbestos Removal Company

After a house fire, the best way to ensure your home is asbestos-free is to hire a company that can remove it while they’re performing their fire damage restoration processes. My team is certified to remove asbestos. We also have a high level of industry knowledge and a good track record of dealing with asbestos when treating homes for fire damage. We carry the liability insurance needed to make sure we’re covered, and we adhere to the local, state, and federal regulations regarding asbestos removal.

These are all things you should ask about if you want to call around and interview other companies. My goal is to make sure you and your family are safe after a fire, so I do want you to make sure you find a reputable company who can manage this undertaking.

Conclusion

While asbestos removal isn’t something you can take on yourself if you’re not a professional, knowing why it’s important, understanding the processes, and making sure you are hiring a reputable company are things you can and should do. Contact me if I can help answer any questions or if you’d like to schedule an inspection.

Source

• https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/home/asbestos-home