When it's time to start renovations on an older home, there are extra steps and precautions that need to be taken. In order to keep your workers and your family protected from dangerous toxins, you need to have asbestos inspections and testing performed. According to Asbestos.com, an estimated 125 million people worldwide remain at risk of occupational exposure to asbestos. You don't want your contractors to be in these statistics. Let's look at a few reasons why you'd want to schedule an asbestos inspection for your home or commercial space.

1. Knowing What You’re Getting Into With a Renovation

The most common reason why people have asbestos inspections is because they're about to begin renovations on an older structure. Asbestos was used in many older homes because it has a high tolerance for fire. In fact, for years it was advertised as fireproof. People put this building material in their homes in hopes of making their residences safer, but this material wound up putting more people in danger of sickness because of the toxic nature of asbestos.

Even if your home isn't that old, you might want to consider asbestos testing. This is because this substance hasn't been fully removed from all new building materials. It may be present in different forms in recent construction. It's required by the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants that asbestos testing be done before renovation projects regardless of age or other factors. This is to protect anyone who will be exposed to debris from the renovation.

2. Planning Demolition Work in a Safe Way

Another time you'd need to test for asbestos would be when planning demolition work. NESHAP has also addressed the danger of asbestos exposure during demolition work for contractors. Again, the age or condition of the structure is irrelevant. There are some exceptions, though. If the building is considered to be unsound, then the testing can be skipped because it may put the inspector at risk when performing the inspection.

There are building materials that contain asbestos and are considered to be harmless as long as they're being used as intended. However, when disturbed during demolition, it can become extremely harmful to those who are exposed to it. This is because during demolition the previously contained fibers of asbestos will enter the air as dust. Those breathing in these particles can become sick.

3. Having Periodic Testing for Older Buildings

Once new building materials containing asbestos are installed in a structure, it doesn't pose a threat. It's only during renovation or demolition that the substance could be dangerous. However, older building materials that contain this substance will crumble on their own over time. This causes the same issue as demolition when the fibers are loosened and released into the air. This is why it's necessary for older buildings to undergo periodic asbestos testing to ensure the asbestos has not become friable.

4. Responding Promptly to Occupant Complaints

If you have tenants or employees in a building, you're required by law to address complaints about safety. If one of these individuals complains that they may have encountered asbestos, you need to address this issue immediately. Ongoing respiratory issues within a building could also indicate that older building materials containing asbestos have become friable and are affecting the air quality of the structure.

In order to avoid liability in such a situation, you need to follow the correct procedures for asbestos testing. Your tenants and employees need to see that you take their health and well-being seriously. The best way to address this will be to connect with professionals in your area who perform these types of asbestos inspections.

It's important that you have the correct documentation to prove you're dealing with the problem. If the testing shows nothing, then you can share that documentation with tenants or employees to give them peace of mind. If the testing shows friable asbestos, then you'll need to take further steps to amend the problem.

These are just a few instances where asbestos testing would be called for. If you're looking for professionals in your area to provide you with mold, lead, or asbestos inspections, please contact ASAP Environmental Inc today. We look forward to helping you work or reside on a property with peace of mind!