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What the EPA Says About Asbestos and Asbestos Removal

Until recent times, asbestos was not considered to be problematic and was widely used in everything from brake pads for your car to home insulation and ceiling tiles. But, studies have now shown asbestos to be a major contributor to often terminal illnesses such as lung cancer.

Asbestos is a fiber that has been frequently used in construction materials due to its fire-retardant properties. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Consumer Product Safety Commission has banned its use in several products due to health concerns.

Asbestos in Homes

In today’s world, asbestos is typically found only in older homes, since these were built prior to EPA and CPSC bans were put in place. Old homes typically contain asbestos in pipe insulation, furnace insulation, shingles, textured paints, floor tiles and millboard. As long as the asbestos stays in place and is not damaged – either through removal of these surfaces or from deterioration from water damage – asbestos typically is not harmful. However, as soon as these materials are damaged – either intentionally or otherwise – the asbestos fibers become airborne and become dangerous.

High concentrations of airborne asbestos are typically found after asbestos-containing materials are disrupted by cutting, sanding or other actions during home remodeling. In some circumstances, inexperienced and untrained homeowners attempt asbestos removal practices on their own and actually cause more harm to their family than good.

While the health effects of asbestos are not immediately visible and are often unknown for many years, the long-term risk includes lung diseases such as cancer and emphysema, along with cancers of the stomach, chest and abdominal areas. Smokers are at an even higher risk for developing asbestos-related lung cancer due to the already present damage to their lungs.

Removing Asbestos from Your Home

Never attempt to remove asbestos from your home on your own. Improper asbestos removal techniques often lead to further damage and greater health risks. Contact an asbestos removal company such as those at RTS Environmental Services. Professionally trained, the experts at RTS Environmental Services will assess your home and determine the best approach to the asbestos found in your home.

In some situations, simply leaving the asbestos alone and in-tact is the best approach; however, if removal is warranted, RTS will devise a plan for your asbestos removal, also known as asbestos abatement, needs. Serving all of Northern Virginia, including Arlington, VA, Centreville, VA, Chantilly, VA, Damascus, MD and all of the Washington DC area, RTS will handle your asbestos removal project with outstanding customer service and excellent communication throughout the process.

Serving Washington DC, Maryland & Northern Virginia — Areas includes: Adamstown, MD — Alexandria, VA — Annandale, VA — Arlington, VA — Ashburn, VA — Bethesda, MD — Burke, VA — Centreville, VA — Chantilly, VA — Chevy Chase, MD — Clarksville, MD — College Park, MD — Columbia, MD — Damascus, MD — Ellicott City, MD — Fairfax, VA — Falls Church, VA — Frederick, MD — Gaithersburg, MD — Germantown, MD — Great Falls, VA — Herndon, VA — Kensington, MD — Knoxville, MD — Laurel, MD — Leesburg, VA — Mc Lean, VA — Middletown, MD — Monrovia, MD — Mount Airy, MD, Mt. Airy, MD — New Market, MD — Oakton, VA — Olney, MD — Potomac, MD — Reston, VA — Rockville, MD — Silver Spring, MD — Springfield, VA — Sterling, VA — Takoma Park, MD — Urbana, MD — Vienna, VA — Wheaton MD