Hidden Dangers Lurking in Your Walls: Why Every Older Home Needs Professional Asbestos Assessment

If you live in a home built before 1990, you may be sharing your space with a dangerous guest you can’t see, smell, or taste. Until the 1970s, many types of building products and insulation materials used in homes contained asbestos, and asbestos use in residential buildings was phased out by 1986 as manufacturers were allowed to use the existing supply. Asbestos was used in more than 3,000 building products throughout most of the 20th century.

Common Hiding Places for Asbestos in Older Homes

Asbestos can be found throughout older homes in materials that homeowners encounter daily. Common products that might have contained asbestos in the past include steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape. Resilient floor tiles (vinyl asbestos, asphalt, and rubber), the backing on vinyl sheet flooring, and adhesives used for installing floor tile are also frequent sources of asbestos exposure.

Other common locations include:

• Cement shingles and siding: Asbestos cement (transite) shingles and siding were extremely common on Northeast homes from the 1920s through the 1970s
• Roof shingles and felt: Some asphalt roof shingles and roofing felt contained asbestos fibers for reinforcement and fire resistance
• Furnace and duct components: Gaskets, duct tape, cement, and insulation on HVAC systems frequently contain asbestos
• Fireproofing materials: Spray-on fireproofing around structural steel, and millboard used to protect walls near wood stoves and furnaces
• Caulk and putty: Window glazing putty and some caulking compounds contained asbestos fibers

Understanding the Health Risks

Asbestos fibers are invisible to the naked eye and have no taste or odor. When inhaled, they can lodge permanently in lung tissue and cause devastating diseases, often decades after exposure: Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer of the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. The delayed onset of symptoms makes asbestos particularly dangerous, as many times, asbestos gets into the air, and the health effects don’t show up for decades.

Asbestos-containing products in good condition and completely intact are generally considered safe. But renovation or demolition of older buildings may disturb asbestos-containing materials and release fibers into the air. This means that common home improvement activities can unknowingly create serious health hazards.

When Professional Removal is Required

When asbestos materials are damaged, deteriorating, or will be disturbed by renovation work, professional removal is necessary. Asbestos abatement must be performed by licensed contractors following strict state and federal regulations that govern worker protection, containment, air monitoring, and waste disposal.

Professional removal is essential because DIY asbestos removal is extremely dangerous without proper training, equipment, and containment. The health risks are severe and the consequences of improper removal can contaminate your entire home. Removal: Usually the most expensive method and, unless required by state or local regulations, should be the last option considered in most situations. This is because removal poses the greatest risk of fiber release.

Choosing the Right Environmental Remediation Partner

When selecting an asbestos removal company, it’s crucial to work with experienced, licensed professionals who understand the complexities of environmental remediation. EJS Environmental has established itself as a trusted leader in Pennsylvania’s environmental services sector, serving as the most referred demolition service contractor in PA with two decades of professional experience. EJS is the top rated demolition gutting service, asbestos removal and clean up contractor service in PA.

What sets EJS Environmental apart is their commitment to comprehensive service and safety. Their skilled team is dedicated to carrying out demolition projects with a strong emphasis on safety and efficiency, all while ensuring strict compliance with environmental regulations. Whether the project involves interior gutting, structural demolition, or the safe removal of hazardous materials, EJS Environmental is a reliable partner known for consistently delivering top-quality results within budget constraints and on schedule.

For homeowners in the Philadelphia area seeking professional asbestos removal glenside services, EJS Environmental offers the expertise and reliability needed for safe, compliant asbestos abatement. EJS Environmental Services, serving the Main Line and surrounding five counties, is a lead and asbestos abatement specialist.

The Professional Removal Process

Professional asbestos removal follows a strict protocol designed to protect both workers and occupants. EJS Environmental provides full asbestos inspections to identify all areas where asbestos is present. The asbestos inspection process starts with a visual survey of the property then sampling of suspected asbestos containing materials. The samples are then sent to a lab for testing to confirm asbestos presence.

During removal, contractors are experienced in setting up and using negative air space containment areas, and establish EPA compliant negative air-pressure containment zones, deploy HEPA-filter systems to prevent asbestos from escaping into adjacent spaces. They work with certified independent air clearance inspectors to monitor fiber levels before, during and after removal—so the area meets or exceeds safety standards before reoccupation.

Making the Right Decision for Your Home

Asbestos testing is the only way to confirm the presence of asbestos. Asbestos removal companies require testing prior to removal. Visual clues help determine the potential presence of asbestos in your home, but only professional testing can accurately identify asbestos. A complete assessment will be done where the materials will be sampled and tested in a laboratory.

The decision to address asbestos in your home shouldn’t be delayed. Homeowners and companies should hire licensed asbestos removal companies if materials on older buildings become worn or broken. Abatement professionals understand the laws and regulations surrounding the asbestos removal process. With proper professional intervention, you can ensure your home is safe for your family while maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations.

Remember, when it comes to asbestos, the risks of inaction far outweigh the costs of professional remediation. Protect your family’s health and your property’s value by partnering with experienced environmental remediation professionals who can safely and effectively address any asbestos concerns in your older home.