How Asbestos Removal Requires Special Laws & Regulations
In construction, Asbestos Removal Oakland CA is a group of methods designed to prevent the release of asbestos fibres from asbestos-containing products into the atmosphere. Since the late 1960s it has been recognized that the presence of asbestos in the environment increases the risk of human cancer and other diseases. The Asbestos Control Act was enacted by the Federal government to provide a comprehensive method for controlling the use of asbestos containing materials. However, it only applies to companies engaged in the manufacture of asbestos.
A recent study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concluded that there may be a strong link between Asbestos use and the increased incidence of lung disease. Asbestos contains fibres that are resistant to heat and chemical treatment. These fibres are released into the environment when building materials such as insulation, roofing tiles and cement, are placed in older homes and old buildings. Asbestos fibers can also be inhaled by individuals working near these materials when they are being cut, rolled or brushed. During this time Asbestos can be breathed in without any symptoms being apparent until quite some time later. These latest studies are extremely important as they reveal a significant link between Asbestos exposure and lung cancer.
An abatement contractor would be required to undertake an asbestos removal job if they detected or saw evidence of Asbestos in the work area. Before undertaking an Asbestos removal job it is recommended to contact your local health department or state regulatory body. A qualified asbestos abatement contractor will carry out a Health Hazard Assessment prior to beginning work, detailing the Asbestos contamination in the work area and the likely location and size of the asbestos concentration present.
When contacted by a company or an individual who believes they have become exposed to Asbestos in the workplace the first thing to do is report to the nearest authorities. It is important to remember that even if there are no visible signs of Asbestos in the Asbestos removal area, it may still be present in the air, soil and food source present in the area. Abatement contractors will conduct a series of tests and samples before determining whether or not the Asbestos was removed from the work area. Once all samples have been tested and the cause has been determined an abatement contractor will advise the public concerning Asbestos exposure. It is also important to bear in mind that although Asbestos is non-toxic to humans it is known to cause certain forms of cancer in both humans and animals.
If you believe you have been exposed to Asbestos in your workplace, you will need to register with the specific agency who has been appointed to implement the national Asbestos Management Act. Once registered, you are required to notify your employer or person responsible for your work about the Asbestos containing materials that had been found in or on your premises. If you were a victim of the Asbestos induced cancer you will also need to notify your doctor. Your doctor will be able to give you the number of days after becoming ill that you can contact them. The number of days that Asbestos related illnesses take to appear could vary greatly. Once you have notified your doctor, they will take up your case and work with a certified abatement contractor to determine the best way to clean up your Asbestos contaminated work place.
Asbestos abatement companies are trained to remove Asbestos and other hazardous minerals using the safest and most advanced technologies. Some techniques are more dangerous than others and the abatement company that you employ should be able to explain the safe ways to remove Asbestos. You may find that the abatement agency uses a vacuum, heat, or a combination of these techniques. The type of technique used is dependent on the Asbestos contamination levels in your work space.
Most Asbestos containing materials are found in buildings where the main source of heat and/or cooling in the structure is the result of asbestos burning. These materials come into contact with heat and/or coolers in building constructed before 1970 and structures built after that time have many more Asbestos related illnesses to deal with. Since the main symptom of Asbestos related illnesses is an Asbestos induced pulmonary condition, it is imperative that your abatement company not only cleans buildings containing Asbestos but also removes the Asbestos induced pathogen from inside the structure. This is critical to not only health issues, but also to keep your occupancy permit renewed.
You can assist the EPA in cleaning up Asbestos by educating yourself about Asbestos related hazards and the Asbestos regulations that apply to your region. There is no "safe level" of exposure to Asbestos. Asbestos exposure can occur in a variety of ways including creosote buildup in a home or office, breathing Asbestos related fibers in the air, or ingestion Asbestos containing material. No matter the manner in which Asbestos is ingested, such Asbestos Contaminants must be properly removed and properly disposed of. For more information about Asbestos regulation compliance in your area, contact a personal injury lawyer today.
