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What is Asbestos and Who can Remove It?

Long, thin fibers make up the mineral known as asbestos, which has been used for decades to make pipe insulation, floor tiles, paint, caulk, brake pads, ceiling tiles and many fire-resistant fabrics. Only in the last 20 years, did scientists and medical professionals link the material to several health concerns including lung cancer. Estimates now show asbestos is a threat in more than 840,000 homes, schools and office buildings, and likely will lead to the death of approximately 20,000 people per year for the next 30 years.

When asbestos gets wet, the fibers, which resemble fiberglass, turn to a clumpy consistency much like oatmeal. However, if it has been painted the surface will be coated but the fibers underneath remain free and removal techniques such as scraping, pulling and breaking put asbestos particles in the air leading to ingestion through the airways.

Common types of commercially used asbestos include chrysotile, crocidolite and amosite. Chrysotile, also referred to as �white asbestos,� is most commonly used and is found in nearly 95 percent of all instances where asbestos is located. Crocidolite, also known as �blue asbestos,� is primarily found in specialized high-temperature applications. Amosite, or �brown asbestos,� is the second most common type used predominantly in building materials.

The Environmental Protection Agency suggests professionals trained specifically in this area complete all asbestos removal and remediation. RTS Environmental performs asbestos removal and inspections in accordance with all state and federal standards in all of the Northern Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland areas including Ashburn, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Ellicott City, Fairfax and Great Falls.

Often upon inspection RTS finds the asbestos-containing product is in good enough condition to simply be left alone or sealed and does not require removal. If you are planning to remodel your home and asbestos is present, an asbestos abatement plan may be better suited to your needs.

For more information on asbestos removal contact RTS Environmental Services. Serving Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, RTS professionals have completed countless asbestos removal projects in communities including Reston, Wheaton, and Ellicott City.

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