Asbestos Abatement Guidelines in Phoenix

This article is to mainly provide some valuable information in regards to asbestos abatement in the Phoenix, AZ communities. There are actually 4 different colors of asbestos. The colors actually define them and what minerals they are composed of. The four different colors are brown, blue, white and green. In the green colored asbestos you will find that its main mineral content is iron and that is why the asbestos has its green appearance. The basic definition of asbestos is a combination of several different minerals and other materials that when separated into long flexible fibers become the dangerous asbestos substance. During the asbestos abatement process, all of these elements are examined thoroughly to determine their potential danger they may cause for a property.

Asbestos was mostly used as a fire retardant as the substance will not burn. Therefore, it was a natural component when protecting against high heat elements. One of the most popular use for asbestos was in property insulation products that can now be found in most older properties built prior to 1980. The deadly product may also be found in ceiling tiles, roof tiles, pipe cement and exterior siding. Any older building or property may have hidden asbestos contamination that you are just simply unaware of. This is why it becomes extremely important to hire a professional asbestos abatement team that can not only test for the substance but also safely remove it from your property.

The United States finally banned asbestos from both commercial and residential use back in 1978 after a lengthy legal battle. Experts were unable to determine how dangerous the substance was because it only became deadly to humans once it was disturbed. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled once they are exposed through abrasion or demolition. This is the main reason for asbestos testing and asbestos abatement prior to the destruction of any older building here in the historical Phoenix area.

Diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancers were most prominent back in the 1900’s. The 1920 through the 1930 decade had the highest levels of asbestos related illnesses. It wasn’t until the lat 1980’s and 90’s that the asbestos restrictions were extremely strict and mostly banned and totally phased out of use by most countries. The illnesses were mostly in asbestos abatement related employment positions as they were not aware of the severe diseases associated with the deadly material. Most of these illnesses that occurred did not come to anyone’s attention for years after their initial exposure so there were not a lot of warning signs until much later.

In the initial asbestos abatement process, it is most crucial to gather asbestos materials and send them to the certified laboratory for further testing. One of the most frequently used tests’ that is used to test for asbestos is the PCM or Phase Contrast Microscopy. This test is frequently done on site where an asbestos abatement project is going to occur.

Arizona as a State along with the Federal government have put into law special guidelines in regards to the testing for asbestos in older buildings, the asbestos abatement process and the elimination of the deadly substance. The State of Arizona worked closely with both the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and other Arizona agencies to create NESHAP. NESHAP stands for the National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants Program. These guidelines were all created for any asbestos abatement projects that were to take place. All of these restrictions and guidelines are strictly enforced and you can be arrested if they are not followed.

It is my recommendation that you reach out to a professional hazardous waste removal company that specializes in asbestos abatement with decades of experience.