Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals held together by strands of fibers. Asbestos was often used in industrial settings because of its ability to resist heat, capacity to insulate, and flexibility to be woven.
Asbestos exposure occurs when it is disturbed and the fibers become airborne making it easy to inhale and ingest. All types of asbestos have been proven to cause all asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a hazardous material that requires skilled professionals to identify and remove in a safe manner. If an accredited asbestos professional determines asbestos is present, the first step is to develop an abatement plan. Asbestos abatement is the process of removing or minimizing the health risks of asbestos through various techniques, including removal, enclosure, and encapsulation.
Initially, asbestos professionals recommended removal of asbestos materials from a location. Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency advised that asbestos can remain in place if in good condition and there are no compelling reasons to remove it. Now other methods are available that are more cost-effective.
Asbestos Enclosure
One procedure available to abate asbestos is enclosing the asbestos-containing item in an airtight new construction. For example, enclosing asbestos-insulated pipes with sheetrock or plaster is a form of enclosure.
The advantage of using enclosure is you do not have to replace the asbestos-containing items with other materials and it is less expensive than many other options. However, you should keep in mind that you may eventually have to remove the asbestos.
Even though the asbestos is enclosed, there is still the potential it can release fibers into the air. Access to the area, even after enclosure, should be controlled and an inspection performed at regular intervals.
If you choose to hire an asbestos professional to enclose the asbestos, it is a good idea to also employ an air-monitoring company as well. They can look for any fiber release during the enclosure process.
Asbestos Encapsulation
Another alternative to asbestos removal is encapsulation. This process covers the surface of asbestos-containing materials with a laminate, painted coating, or other new material. One example of this procedure is covering asbestos floor tile with new vinyl.
As with enclosure, encapsulated asbestos should be monitored to ensure no fibers are released. Encapsulation is not appropriate if asbestos is accessible to users of a facility or where there is water damage. If the encapsulated surface is damaged, repairs should take place immediately.
If you believe the asbestos will have to eventually be removed, encapsulation may not be the best choice. It is difficult to remove and hampers the total removal of the asbestos under it, potentially making the long-term costs higher than choosing immediate removal of the asbestos.
Before implementing any type of asbestos abatement, you should consult an accredited asbestos professional in your area. It is important to determine the condition of the asbestos before making a decision.