Most of us know what asbestos is (and that it’s bad). It was frequently used for about 70 years in many types of building materials until the public learned what many building material manufacturers, including insulation manufacturers, had known about for about 60 years—inhaling asbestos fibers is deadly. Even if you do not pass away, asbestos exposure can cause lung cancer, inducing mesothelioma and scarring in the lungs. You could face chronic respiratory issues and be more susceptible to contracting respiratory illnesses. This is why Santa Monica, CA, asbestos abatement is so critical.
Even though asbestos can no longer legally be used for building construction, many older structures, both commercial and residential, still contain materials with the substance. If you have a home or business that you suspect contains dangerous asbestos, contact Nielsen Environmental to learn about your options for safe removal.
The Need For Santa Monica Asbestos Abatement Is Significant
Asbestos, while its use has been discontinued, may still be found, and pose a danger to building occupants. It’s common in ceiling insulation but may be found in surprising places, such as:
- Furnaces and ductwork
- Stove or pipe insulation
- Drywall joint patching compounds
- Floor tiles
- Roofing materials
Our firm carefully inspects your structure to detect all asbestos present there.
The Procedure For Asbestos Abatement In California
California laws have strict standards for asbestos abatement (safe removal of the substance). Many homeowners may not realize how intricate and precise the process must be, but for those facing the risks of asbestos presence and exposure, having the right company handle the removal significantly impacts the safety of your structure.
Although we tailor our process to the presence of asbestos in each structure, typical asbestos abatement typically happens like so:
Testing the Material: Even though you have an older property, that doesn’t automatically mean that asbestos is present. Maybe the initial builder didn’t use materials with asbestos, or perhaps abatement had already occurred. We test the material because proper abatement often means tearing the property apart, and we don’t want to do that if we don’t have to.
Empty the Property: All people and pets must leave the home until we inform you it’s safe to return.
Seal Off the Impacted Area: We seal off each part of the home in which we detected asbestos. This prevents the rest of the property from being contaminated. Our process includes a special film seal and negative air pressure.
Remove the Asbestos: We carefully remove all the asbestos, even in minute areas like popcorn ceilings. We have a precise process and carefully remove every scrap of asbestos from your building.
Vacuum the Affected Area: Once all the asbestos is removed, we scour the area with a special vacuum to ensure the building is safe for people and pets.
Do You Need Asbestos Removal?
Do you need professional asbestos removal to bring your building up to code and ensure its safety for your family and pets? Have you recently purchased an older structure and aren’t sure if asbestos is present? Contact Nielsen Environmental today for expert Santa Monica asbestos abatement.
What To Do If You Think You Have Asbestos
If you suspect that your property may contain asbestos, it’s important to take the right steps to address the situation. Asbestos is a hazardous material that, when disturbed, can release harmful fibers into the air. These fibers can pose serious health risks, including lung diseases and cancers such as mesothelioma. If you believe you’ve encountered asbestos in your home or workplace, taking prompt and informed action is essential for your safety and that of others around you as our Santa Monica, CA asbestos abatement professionals can explain.
Avoid Disturbing Materials
The first step is to avoid disturbing the material. Asbestos is only dangerous when its fibers are airborne, and activities like sanding, drilling, or even cleaning can release these harmful particles into the air. If the material is undisturbed and in good condition, it’s generally safer to leave it in place. However, if you suspect that the asbestos-containing material (ACM) is damaged or deteriorating, this could lead to exposure, and it’s critical to address the situation before it worsens. Long-term exposure causes extreme health problems.
It’s important not to try to test or disturb the material yourself. Asbestos testing should only be performed by professionals trained in handling this material. These professionals can take samples of the suspected ACM safely and send them to a certified laboratory for analysis. If you’re concerned about the presence of asbestos, contacting a professional company like Nielsen Environmental for asbestos inspection and testing is a crucial next step. This is particularly important in older homes or buildings, as asbestos was commonly used in construction materials before its dangers became well-known. We have dealt with many similar projects, and they are heavily regulated so we keep extensive records so you can feel secure the job is getting done right — in fact, our records include projects from over thirty years ago!
Course Of Action
Once you’ve had the material tested, a Santa Monica asbestos abatement company can help determine the best course of action. If asbestos is found, it’s important to have it managed by professionals who are experienced in dealing with it. A professional team will follow strict guidelines for containing, removing, and disposing of the asbestos to minimize the risk of exposure. For example, they will create a safe work environment by sealing off the affected area to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers and use specialized equipment for removing the material.
While waiting for testing or professional removal, it’s a good idea to keep people away from the area where you suspect asbestos may be present. This includes family members, pets, and any workers in the building. If you live in a multi-unit building or a place with shared spaces, notifying your building management about the potential asbestos risk is a wise step. Many jurisdictions require that property owners inform tenants or workers of potential hazards such as asbestos.
Asbestos exposure is not something to take lightly. If you are concerned about asbestos and the potential health risks, it’s best to contact a Santa Monica asbestos abatement company for guidance. Professionals can not only test and remove asbestos but also provide you with peace of mind knowing that your environment will be made safe. When you are ready to address the issue and take the necessary steps to protect your home or workplace, Nielsen Environmental is here to help with comprehensive asbestos services. Don’t wait until it becomes a bigger problem — reach out to us today to ensure your property is asbestos-free and safe for everyone. Our professionals have over forty years of experience they are ready to put to work for you.
