3 Options For Dealing With Asbestos In A Building
If asbestos is found in a building, it must be dealt with to negate the risks associated with being exposed to asbestos fibres, which include an increased chance of developing certain types of cancers and developing a condition called asbestosis. This is a chronic lung condition that causes shortness of breath and scarring of the lungs. Here's an overview of the three main options for dealing with asbestos.
Encapsulation
Encapsulation can be a good option for asbestos-containing materials, such as wallboard, that are intact and not showing signs of degradation. There are two types of encapsulation to choose from. Bridging encapsulation involves coating the material that contains asbestos with a paint-like substance that hardens and creates a barrier. Penetrating encapsulation involves spraying the asbestos-containing material with a substance that soaks into the material and hardens, which locks the asbestos fibres in place. Your asbestos surveyor may recommend an encapsulation method based on the type of material being treated.
Enclosure
The enclosure approach involves building an airtight barrier around the affected area. Enclosure examples include boxing in a pipe that has asbestos in the insulation or creating a false ceiling below a ceiling that has asbestos in the plaster. The gap between the material being treated, and the enclosure is typically filled with a closed-cell foam. Tthe enclosure must be assessed to ensure it is airtight before any further work can be undertaken in the affected room.
Removal
Removing any material that contains asbestos is a permanent solution, but during the removal process, asbestos-containing fibres can be released into the air. This means a number of precautions have to be taken to protect those doing the work, and anyone not involved in the removal process will need to be kept out of the affected area. Protective suits and respirators must be worn by those doing the removal, and a decontamination area must be created at the site to allow workers to clean their suits and prevent asbestos fibres from traveling beyond the affected area. Asbestos waste must be labelled and disposed of at a certified landfill facility. Additionally, the treated area needs to be cleaned thoroughly before any further work can be carried out in the room. The process can be lengthy if a large amount of material has to be removed and replaced, but removal gives peace of mind that the risk won't reappear years down the line.
If you'd like tailored advice about dealing with asbestos, consult an asbestos specialist and arrange a survey. The surveyor will recommend an asbestos management plan based on the types of materials that are found to contain asbestos.
To learn more, contact an asbestos removal contractor.