Once thought
of as a miracle mineral, Asbestos, as we have learned over the years, is
anything but a miracle. But that did not stop our ancestors from using it as an
ingredient in thousands of products over the years. Asbestos was not initially
readily available; it was only during the late 1800's that large deposits of
the mineral had eventually turned up in Canada.
Our
technicians in Idaho Falls are specially trained to deal with asbestos removal.
We are willing to put our expert training to work for you, assisting in
removing and providing reconstruction information regarding addressing this
sort of material used during the construction of some of the buildings erected
in the United States.
There are
several versions of asbestos known by the professionals at SERVPRO that occur
naturally throughout the world. The substance was used to assist in
constructing several buildings and without learning more about the proper ways
to handle it; it can cause quite severe hazards to your health. So much so, that
we avoid using it in the United States at all these days.
SERVPRO
technicians receive training about the distinctions in the crystalline
structure of Asbestos that divides the mineral into two separate groups,
serpentine, and amphibole.
Chrysotile -
The only form of the mineral classified within the serpentine group was a
material primarily used in the construction of buildings in the United States.
Commonly referred to as 'white asbestos.'
There are.
However, five different types of asbestos categorized within the amphibole
group. But only the following two types are found in large enough quantities to
be worth using.
Amosite -
The second most widely used type of asbestos used during the construction of
buildings and referred to as 'brown asbestos.'
Crocidolite
- Primarily used as a high-temperature insulation material.
These types
of asbestos get crushed, milled and graded after being extracted from the
Earth. A process that produces long, thread-like fibers of the material.
Our SERVPRO
technicians specialize in identifying some of the most common materials used
during the construction process that have the possibility of containing
different versions of asbestos. Including, plaster, fireproofing insulation,
textured paints or coatings, boilers, ducts, pipe wrap, cement and even
exterior siding or roofing materials, just to name a few.
Several
federal agencies oversee strict regulations concerning the handling and
restoration activities involved with asbestos-containing materials (ACM).
Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) - Has jurisdiction over issues with asbestos that
affect the air, water, and land. They focus on minimizing the release of
asbestos fibers into the environment.
Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Handles regulations focused on worker
health and safety issues that also include proper procedures for performing
asbestos-related work.
It is vital
to leave the handling of any materials you suspect may contain asbestos in any
form. Call SERVPRO of Idaho Falls today. (208) 423-5365
