Since the 1950s, asbestos has been used as a fibrous natural material in buildings. It is used to insulate and protect buildings from fire and corrosion.
It can sometimes be difficult to determine if asbestos is present in buildings in Washington because it is often mixed into other materials. It is commonly found in ceiling tiles and pipe insulation, boilers, and sprayed coatings. Asbestos is likely to be present in properties built before 2000. Therefore, it is important to get commercial asbestos removal services.
In 1999, it was prohibited to use this material in buildings.
Exposure to asbestos can lead to a variety of serious diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer, Asbestosis, and diffuse pleural thickening. The HSE estimates that asbestos-related causes cause over 4,000 deaths each year.
These diseases aren't always apparent right away after exposure to asbestos. It can take years for the effects to manifest.
Removal of asbestos-containing materials with higher risk is dangerous and should only be done by licensed contractors.
ACMs containing asbestos that is of higher risk are more likely than others to release large quantities of fibers when disturbed. They are therefore classified as higher risk.
The best way to check whether there are ACMs on your property is to arrange an asbestos survey. This will allow you to gather essential information like where it is located, what kind it is, and in what condition.