For years, the general public has been alerted to the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestosis, mesothelioma, and cancer, with a latency period in all of these diseases of 15-40 years. Asbestos is actually a group of minerals that can be found in nature. Because asbestos fibers are strong and heat resistant, asbestos is used in building materials such as ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, in ceilings and in tile. Roofing contractors have seen many homes and businesses in Columbus, Ohio and the surrounding area have substantive levels of asbestos.
The reason that asbestos is dangerous is because it has very small bundles of fibers that can be inhaled. Once inhaled, they can lead to the diseases mentioned above. It is still not known if there is a safe level of exposure, but experts do say that the more a person is exposed, the greater the risk of disease.
One of the most common areas for asbestos in Columbus homes is roofing material. If a home was built with materials containing asbestos, removal is not always advised, as it is in the disruption of the asbestos that the fibers can become airborne and inhaled. However, when airborne concentrations of asbestos are high or when the material is no longer in stable condition, removal should be considered.
If a home has asbestos that needs to be removed because it is no longer in acceptable condition, roofingcontractors should immediately be contacted. Asbestos is never a DIY project. There are several environmental considerations, and experienced roofingcontractors have the experience to notify the proper authorities and to safely remove the asbestos. A company that is a member of the OhioRoofingContractors Association will best be able to advise homeowners as to whether the asbestos needs to be removed. If removal is recommended, these roofingcontractors will also be knowledgeable about the proper handling and disposal procedures.
Again, homeowners should not attempt to remove asbestos on their own. When homeowners attempt this type of work on their own, inevitably frayed, crumbling, or torn materials are disturbed, and the asbestos fibers released into the air, thus posing a greater risk of exposure for everyone in the family. Roofing contractors have the training, equipment, and protective gear for safe asbestos removal.
In these difficult economic times, it is understandable that homeowners in Columbus, Ohio would seek to find cost-cutting measures; however, asbestos is not something that anyone should be dealing with on their own. The money will not have been saved if years from now family members are dealing with mesothelioma or cancer. Contact roofing contractors is the smart thing to do.
Asbestos
