Hiring an asbestos abatement company, and not doing it yourself, is the wisest and safest decision when it comes to removing asbestos from any residential, commercial, or public building. Precision Environmental will adequately test for the toxic mineral, follow strict regulations and processes, and carry the right abatement removal equipment to keep you safe from exposure.

Understanding the Dangers of Asbestos

Although asbestos is not banned in the U.S., its use is limited. However, asbestos-containing materials (ACM) still pose a danger to the public because they were standard building products in homes, schools, and other structures built before the 1980s. Asbestos abatement involves identifying, removing, repairing, and encapsulating materials or products in a structure to eliminate the threat of exposure to toxic asbestos fibers. It's best handled by Precision Environmental, a professional asbestos abatement company.

Common Asbestos-Containing Materials in Buildings

Because asbestos doesn't burn, it was used in many products to resist heat. In addition, the "miracle mineral" made these asbestos-containing materials valuable to the building industry.

• Drywall & Cement Sheets
• Roof Shingles & Siding
• Vermiculite Insulation, Ceiling Tiles & Coatings
• Popcorn Ceilings
• Plaster, Putties & Caulking
• Electrical Switchboard Panels
• Plumbing Fixtures
• Pipe & Duct Coverings
• Thermal Boiler & Fireplace Insulations
• Vinyl Floor Tiles

Reasons for Testing a Structure for Asbestos

Although asbestos-containing products are generally safe when left undisturbed, they become brittle over time and can crumble. But the popularity of do-it-yourself (DIY) projects has heightened possible asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure happens when microscopic asbestos fibers become airborne. The toxic mineral dust can remain in the air for hours, placing anyone nearby in danger of inhaling or ingesting it. In an ideal environment with minor disturbances, it may take 48 to 72 hours for asbestos fibers to settle. However, if the dust is disturbed, it can quickly become airborne again because it is so light. Most people are exposed through their occupations. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in thousands of domestic, commercial, and industrial products.

• DIY Remodeling Projects
• Natural or Manmade Disasters Disturbed a Building’s Structure
• You Own a Structure Built Before 1980
• Crumbled, Worn or Broken Asbestos-Containing Materials Found in a Building

Different Types of Asbestos Abatement

Asbestos abatement companies are not all the same. Some specialize only in asbestos abatement, while others offer environmental services, demolition services, and general contracting services that may include abatement. Within the U.S., asbestos abatement regulations vary from state to state and city to city, and some extend beyond the federal laws that require Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) licensing.

Precision Environmental Team of Professionals are Trained in:

• Pre-Asbestos Abatement Activities
• Work Area Preparation
• Establishing Decontamination Units
• Using Personal Protection (Respirator and Protective Clothing)
• Worker Decontamination Procedures
• Safety Considerations in Abatement Area
• Proper Handling & Disposal of Asbestos Waste

"Precision Environmental has the knowledge, training, and experience to perform the needed Asbestos Abatement services. With our fast response time and ongoing communication to give you peace of mind, we separate ourselves from the rest of the pack. We are delivering year-round emergency abatement and remediation services, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day!" - CEO Robert Ruiz, Precision Environmental

Precision Environmental Asbestos Abatement Process

What to Expect? During the Asbestos Abatement Process.

1.) Containment

We set up a highly regulated work area, sealing air ducts, disabling HVAC systems, setting up negative air pressure equipment, and covering surfaces not treated for asbestos. This is done to prevent any asbestos fibers from escaping the area.

2.) Removal

Using abatement suits and personal air monitoring equipment, our team will manually remove the asbestos-containing materials, sealing them in special asbestos disposal bags. Finally, we dispose of the waste according to government and safety regulations.

3.) Cleaning

All surfaces are wet wiped, and HEPA vacuumed to ensure any lingering asbestos particles in the air are removed. We take air and surface samples and test them independently before removing our containment barriers and allowing occupants to return.

Site Preparations for Asbestos Removal

The asbestos removal can be complex and includes several site preparations.

• Work area established.
• HVAC and electrical systems disabled.
• New electrical system installed to power negative air pressure units that avoid contamination of air outside work area.
• Decontamination enclosure systems installed.
• Seal openings with plastic sheeting and duct tape.
• Wet wipe or use a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter on non-movable objects to keep asbestos from becoming airborne.
• Seal immobile items with plastic sheeting and duct tape.
• Cover surface not getting abated with plastic sheeting.
• Post warning signs that read: Danger, Asbestos, Cancer and Lung Disease Hazard, Authorized Personnel Only, Respirators and Protective Clothing Are Required in this Area.
• Clean up using a HEPA vacuum.
• Disposal requires asbestos-containing waste to be sealed in leak-tight containers while still wet, then labeled clearly and taken to qualified landfills with specific requirements for securing the waste and preventing fibers from escaping into the air.
• Vehicles that transport the waste to the landfill have specific requirements and labeling instructions.

"You have to live with the legacy of the past, and the legacy here is all the asbestos is still in place. This epidemic is not going to end anytime soon." - Epidemiologist Marty Kanarek, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

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