ASBESTOS REMOVAL COMPANIES

Hiring a professional contractor to remove asbestos building materials is required by law

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says removing asbestos from one’s home should be a homeowner’s last resort. That’s because the very act of asbestos removal poses the greatest dangers for toxic exposure and the development of fatal diseases, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Asbestos removal companies are called upon to supervise abatement projects in homes and public buildings to prevent such occurrences.

Why hire asbestos removal companies?

September 17, 2010 – Asbestos removal companies are required by federal and state law to perform any projects involving asbestos abatement. These companies are trained and licensed to assess the need for asbestos abatement and will provide free estimates on asbestos removal cost.

Despite a partial ban on certain asbestos-based construction products today, asbestos materials are still embedded in most public buildings and homes built before 1980. That alone is not cause for alarm unless the materials are old or decrepit, in which case it might be time to consider interviewing asbestos removal companies for their advice.

Asbestos removal contractors are equipped to test materials for asbestos content, evaluate the condition of the material and determine the need for any corrective action.

Assessing the need for asbestos abatement

If roofing, flooring, wallboard or plumbing materials are in poor condition, the dangers of asbestos exposure could be significant. But if the material is in good condition and not likely to be physically disturbed, the danger of asbestos exposure is slight and the material should be left alone.

Regarding asbestos removal dangers, the EPA says removing asbestos from one’s home should be a homeowner’s last resort because the very act of asbestos removal poses the greatest risk for human exposure.

There are several types of asbestos exposure to be aware of, but most incidents occur through inhalation. Asbestos exposure through the inhalation of airborne fibers can occur when asbestos-containing materials are physically disturbed, or old and in poor condition. In those situations, building materials are known to release toxic asbestos fibers into the air. That is why demolition or renovation work in older buildings can be very hazardous and require the supervision of professional asbestos removal companies.

How to hire asbestos removal companies

Some abatement companies offer a combination of services that include testing, assessment and correction. But, according to the EPA, a professional hired to assess the need for asbestos removal should not be connected with a firm that performs the actual removal. It is better, says the EPA, to use two different companies to avoid any conflict of interest.

If you have a problem that requires the services of such professionals, consult your regional EPA office for a list of licensed inspectors and a list of abatement contractors. Having two separate lists and hiring two independent contractors assures they have no stake in each other’s business interests. That can ultimately save you money, too.

The EPA recommends hiring professionals who are accredited, especially if accreditation is required by state or local laws. Ask for references from previous clients. Find out if they have handled similar situations. And get cost estimates because charges for asbestos removal services can vary widely.

Finally, to find out whether your state has a training and certification program for asbestos removal contractors, and for information on EPA's asbestos programs, call the EPA at (202) 554-1404.

Legal options for asbestos-injured individuals

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis and seek mesothelioma legal support or free guidance on your eligibility to receive compensation for lost wages, medical bills and suffering, contact Weitz & Luxenberg today through the communication form presented here.