Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as fire-retardant. Because of its fiber strength and heat resistant properties, asbestos has been used for a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials until about the 1970s. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed by improper repair, remodeling, or demolition activities, microscopic fibers become airborne and can be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause significant health problems.
Some health hazards that are caused from asbestos fibers are Lung Cancer (risk is greatly increased when combined with smoking), Asbestosis (irreversible scarring of the lungs), and Mesothelioma (cancer of the chest and abdominal linings). The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.
The following are examples where asbestos can be found in building materials:
- Sprayed coating and lagging – ex. insulation of pipe
- Sprayed fire proofing – fire protection
- Insulation boards – used for fire protection, thermal insulation
- Asbestos cement products – roofing and wall cladding, transite siding
- Texture coating – ceiling and wall texture, acoustical support
- Asbestos board/paper products in electrical equipment
- Flooring – ex. Floor tile and mastic, linoleum, leveling compound
- Thermal System Insulation (TSI) – ex. pipe and boiler insulation
- Asbestos sheetrock and joint compound
- Roofing – ex. shingles, flashing, and mastics
Rhino has been a forerunner in the field of Asbestos Abatement for many years. Our determination to ensure that all clients receive the proper handling of their abatement project has been the backbone for the success of Rhino Demolition. We are committed to protecting our employees, clients, and the environment. This includes strict adherence to OSHA, EPA, and DOT regulations.