IMPORTANT THINGS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT ASBESTOS
Asbestos is a really scary word that we hear time to time and it’s scarier to see people working under it in industrial estates and factories. In this blog we would like to alert you about the dangerous factors of living under asbestos roof, how it affects lives and what can be done to prevent the hazardous effect of asbestos. Supreme Court of India has banned use of asbestos in India since 21 January, 2011. It’s been since a decade that EPSCO India is setting standards and strict guidelines for asbestos abatement. EPSCO India is an EPA/AHERA certified company specialized in Asbestos Abatement services.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. The mineral is composed of fine, durable fibres that are resistant to heat, fire, and many chemicals. Asbestos doesn’t conduct heat or electricity. Therefore, asbestos was used as an insulator in building materials.
Where is asbestos found?
Asbestos is mined all over the world. Before being banned, asbestos was used in many building materials in homes, schools, commercial and industrial buildings. Some popular asbestos containing building materials are vinyl sheet flooring, floor tiles, plaster, fireproofing, roofing shingles, adhesives, heating and electrical ducts, pipe insulation, fire doors, gaskets and ceiling tiles.
Why is asbestos dangerous?
Although asbestos makes a great building material, its resistance to everything causes issues to our body. Asbestos fibres often become lodged in the lungs, eventually causing respiratory disease. It becomes a risk to your health when the fibres are released into the air and breathed in. If you breathe in high levels of these dangerous fibres you’re at risk of getting an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer. Anyone who uses your premises and disturbs asbestos releasing fibres can be at risk. This commonly occurs through drilling, sawing or cutting into the fabric. “Mesothelioma is caused directly by the exposure of asbestos.
How do you know if the material contains asbestos?
In order to know if a material contains asbestos, a sample needs to be collected and analyzed. The sample should be collected by an authorised asbestos abatement company like EPSCO India. Once the sample is collected, it is sent to an accredited laboratory where it is analyzed to determine whether or not it contains asbestos.
How to remove the asbestos?
Asbestos should be removed by an authorised asbestos abatement contractor. EPSCO India team is well trained and follow EPA/AHERA guidelines to properly remove the material as per international guidelines and norms. As the material is being removed, we collect air samples to make sure there were no asbestos fibres released during the asbestos abatement procedure.
EPSCO India specializes in conducting asbestos inspections, collecting bulk and air samples, and asbestos abatement. Contact us today to help you with all your asbestos abatement needs.
