Protecting Your Family and Property from a Hidden Threat
Many charming older homes throughout Boise and the Treasure Valley were built using materials once prized for their durability and fire resistance. Unfortunately, one of these materials was asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is now known to be a serious health hazard. If your home was built before the 1980s, it may contain asbestos in areas like insulation, flooring, roofing, or siding. Disturbing these materials during renovations, repairs, or even through accidental damage can release microscopic fibers into the air, creating a significant risk for anyone who inhales them. Understanding the dangers and the critical importance of professional asbestos abatement is the first step toward ensuring your home is a safe environment.
What is Asbestos and Why is it So Hazardous?
Asbestos is a term for a group of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals. Its fibers are strong, flexible, and resistant to heat, electricity, and chemical corrosion, which made it an incredibly popular additive in building materials for much of the 20th century. However, these same properties make it dangerous to human health.
When materials containing asbestos are damaged, crumbled, or disturbed, they release tiny, needle-like fibers into the air. These fibers can be inhaled easily and become trapped in the lungs and respiratory tract. Over time, this can lead to severe and often fatal health conditions, including:
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease that causes scarring of the lung tissue, leading to shortness of breath and long-term respiratory problems.
- Lung Cancer: The risk of developing lung cancer is significantly increased by asbestos exposure.
- Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, or abdomen. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of this disease.
Because these diseases have a long latency period, symptoms may not appear for 20 to 50 years after initial exposure, making it a silent and deadly threat.
Common Places Asbestos Hides in a Home
If your house was constructed before 1985, there’s a possibility asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present. Some common locations include:
It is nearly impossible to identify asbestos just by looking at it. The only way to be certain is to have a sample of the suspected material tested by a certified laboratory. Never attempt to collect samples yourself; this can disturb the fibers and create a hazard. Always call a professional for inspection and testing.
The Professional Asbestos Abatement Process
Safe asbestos removal is a highly regulated and complex process that should only be performed by certified and experienced technicians. Attempting a DIY removal is not only illegal in many circumstances but also extremely dangerous. A professional asbestos abatement project follows strict safety protocols to protect both the occupants of the home and the workers.
The key steps include:
- Containment: The work area is completely sealed off from the rest of the house using heavy-duty plastic sheeting and negative air pressure machines equipped with HEPA filters to prevent any fibers from escaping.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Technicians wear full-body coveralls, respirators, and other specialized safety gear.
- Safe Removal: ACMs are wetted down to minimize dust and carefully removed. Tools and techniques are used to keep materials as intact as possible.
- Packaging and Disposal: All asbestos-containing waste is sealed in specially labeled, leak-proof bags and disposed of at a licensed landfill according to federal and state regulations.
- Thorough Cleaning: The contained area is meticulously cleaned using HEPA vacuums and wet-wiping methods. Air samples may be taken after the cleanup to ensure the area is safe for re-entry.
Did You Know?
- The word “asbestos” comes from an ancient Greek word meaning “unquenchable” or “inextinguishable,” highlighting its famed fire-resistant properties.
- Even though its dangers are well-known, asbestos is not completely banned in the United States. It is still used in a few specific products like brake pads and chlorine production diaphragms.
- Water damage can be a major catalyst for asbestos exposure. A leaking pipe or flood can damage asbestos-containing materials, causing fibers to become friable and easily airborne. If you experience a flood, professional water damage restoration is critical, especially in older homes.
A Local Focus: Asbestos in Boise, Meridian, and the Treasure Valley
The Treasure Valley has a rich history, with many homes in Boise, Meridian, and surrounding communities like Nampa and Caldwell built during the peak of asbestos use. If you’re planning a remodel, demolition, or just have concerns about the materials in your older property, it’s wise to be proactive.
Idaho has specific regulations for asbestos handling and disposal to protect public health and the environment. Working with a local, IICRC-certified company like Apex Restoration ensures that your project complies with all local and state requirements, providing you with peace of mind. We understand the specific construction styles and materials used in this region and bring that local expertise to every job.
Suspect Asbestos in Your Home? Don’t Wait.
Protect your family’s health and your property’s value. If you’re concerned about asbestos, contact the certified professionals at Apex Restoration for a consultation and rapid response.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have asbestos in my home?
The only certain way is through laboratory testing. A certified asbestos inspector can safely take samples from suspected materials and send them to a lab for analysis. Do not attempt to take samples yourself.
Is it safe to live in a house with asbestos?
If the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are in good condition and are not disturbed, they generally do not pose a significant risk. The danger arises when these materials are damaged, friable (easily crumbled), or disturbed, releasing fibers into the air. Any planned renovation or damage to ACMs makes the area unsafe.
Can I just cover or seal asbestos materials instead of removing them?
This is a method called encapsulation or enclosure. While it can be a valid solution in some specific cases, it’s often a temporary fix. It does not eliminate the asbestos, and the material can still be disturbed later. Removal (abatement) is the only permanent solution. Consulting with a professional can determine the best course of action for your situation.
How long does the asbestos abatement process take?
The duration depends on the scope of the project—the amount and type of material being removed and the size of the area. A small residential pipe wrap removal might take a day, while a full attic or basement abatement could take several days. We provide a clear timeline after our initial assessment.
Glossary of Terms
- Abatement: The procedures used to control fiber release from asbestos-containing materials, including removal, encapsulation, and enclosure.
- Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM): Any material or product which contains more than one percent asbestos.
- Encapsulation: The process of applying a sealant to an ACM to contain fibers.
- Friable Asbestos: Any ACM that, when dry, can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. This is the most dangerous state for asbestos.
- HEPA Filter: High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter, which is capable of trapping 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter. These are essential in asbestos abatement.
- IICRC: Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. A certification and standard-setting non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.