Asbestos was widely used in houses and structures from the late 1930s to the 70s, when it became clear that it posed some health hazards and its use was discouraged and even banned. Initially, it was used because of its amazing fire resistant properties. Being a fibrous mineral, it's great strength and is durable. That makes it great for fireproofing and in providing insulation to constructions.

Even if asbestos materials have been used on your home roof and it is still in excellent condition, when left untreated, often they do not any severe risk. The mere presence of asbestos products or materials in your house or in a construction is necessarily not hazardous. It becomes dangerous when those materials become ruined over the passage of time and also make airborne. Asbestos that's been damaged might release harmful asbestos fibers into the air and consequently become a health risk.

Regulations Governing Asbestos

Asbestos is controlled and monitored under an assortment of agencies and laws around the world. In the US for example, this comes under the mandate of the Environmental Protection Agency regulations governing asbestos removal. The disposal of asbestos waste and materials is governed by the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants.

Elimination of Asbestos Waste Materials

Normally, removal being the most costly solution ought to be among the very last options to be considered unless this is required by respective state or local regulations. Removal poses the greatest risk of fiber being released into the air. However, asbestos removal might become necessary when making some significant changes to the whole house that could end up disturbing the asbestos material.

Asbestos roof removal might also become essential in the event the asbestos material has gotten extensively damaged and could be beyond repair. Removal of asbestos toilet roofs is a complex undertaking and should only be carried out by a contractor with particular and proper training.

Engaging a Removal Contractor

- Confirm with the relevant authorities locally like the board which manages air pollution and the local work security agency. Verify the reputation of the remover along with your Better Business Bureau if the remover has had some violations concerning safety. You could also check out whenever they might have had any legal activities claims filed against them.

- Before the elimination work starts, obtain a written contract that defines the work schedule and plan and strategies for cleaning up. Included should be how the remover intends to employ the applicable state, local and federal regulations.

- Additionally, get in touch your local and state health departments, your regional EPA office, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's regional office to know what the laws and regulations suggest regarding hiring of elimination contractors.

- As the job is happening, insist that the removal contractor is always employing enough water or a suitable wetting agent on the substance to minimize asbestos dust becoming airborne. Ensure that the contractor isn't breaking up the removed asbestos materials into little pieces because this may release into the atmosphere harmful asbestos fibers.

- Upon the completion of the removal job, make sure that the contractor does wash the toilet work place utilizing wet rags, mops and sponges. A normal house vacuum cleaner should never be utilized.