What is The Difference Between Asbestos Abatement and Remediation?
"Staff removing some asbestos in a post of transformer, Reflection of mask of man opposite was created for cannot be recognized"
Asbestos abatement and remediation are used interchangeably in asbestos removal. These terms sound similar, but there’s a difference between the two. Asbestos abatement companies offer both services, but they first have to assess the extent of the damage to determine the method to use. This article discusses the difference between asbestos abatement and remediation.
Asbestos Abatement
Asbestos Abatement is the process of safely removing asbestos or hazardous materials from a building. It includes activities such as encapsulation, enclosure, and removal. Encapsulation involves applying a sealant to asbestos-containing materials to prevent the release of fibers. The contaminated part of the building is closed to avoid further contamination. A licensed hazmat asbestos abatement company removes the asbestos materials and disposes of the contaminants.
In some cases, not all hazardous asbestos can be removed without affecting the structural integrity of a building. In such cases, the affected areas are enclosed with specialized equipment and materials to ensure the toxins don’t become airborne and don’t present a direct health risk.
Asbestos Abatement Procedure
- The affected area of the building is sealed off.
- Sheets of polyethylene are hung and secured with polyethylene tape.
- The contaminated materials are removed, placed into polyethylene disposal bags, and closed securely with tape.
- The remaining surface is cleaned with a damp cloth and a HEPA vacuum.
Asbestos Remediation
Asbestos remediation involves addressing and cleaning up the environmental contamination caused by asbestos and preventing them from happening again. The remediation process may contain abatement. It also involves identifying the contamination’s source, assessing its extent, and developing a strategy to clean it up. With remediation, the goal is to return the environment to a healthy and safe state. Remediation is a more comprehensive method that removes the asbestos and ensures they never return.
Precautions for asbestos Remediation
- HVAC should be turned off, and vents sealed to stop asbestos fibers from circulating.
- The work area should be sealed off with plastic sheeting.
- HEPA vacuums and wet cleanup tools should be used to clean the affected areas.
- Materials removed from the site should be placed in clearly marked, leak-tight containers.
What’s the best asbestos removal method for my building?
The best way to remove asbestos fibers will depend on the exposure level and the problem’s nature. Asbestos can be treated through abatement, and it is effective. However, some buildings and homeowners will choose remediation. It is not recommendable to remove asbestos fibers yourself. It is best to hire an asbestos abatement company to remove the toxic fibers from your home or commercial building. You also want to ensure that the company you go for is licensed and follows federal, state, and local regulations.
In conclusion, asbestos abatement and remediation are closely related and serve the same purpose. However, remediation is more comprehensive and solves the problem from the root cause. Are you looking for an asbestos abatement company? Then CVE Corp should be it. With over 30 years of experience in the asbestos removal industry, the company offers professional asbestos abatement services. Visit their website cvecorp.com to learn more about asbestos removal.
