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FAQ for getting your place inspected for asbestos

Q. What is asbestos?
A. Asbestos is a material formed by a group of minerals that are microscopic in nature and can splinter into even finer pieces. 

Q. Why is asbestos harmful when inhaled?
A.  When inhaled, asbestos is harmful as it doesn’t become degraded but rather splinters and impinges on lung tissues.

Q.  What are likely symptoms of asbestos inhalation?
A. Symptoms may not be immediate after inhalation as the particulate fibers are extremely tiny. However, in the long run, respiratory diseases, bleeding lungs and a host of other breathing difficulties are common complaints of individuals consistently exposed to asbestos-containing materials.

Q.  What does an asbestos inspector look for?
A.  Inspection starts after material and air samples have been taken from the suspect building. The samples are kept in safe conditions to prevent any hazardous exposure. The goal of the process is to check whether materials contain asbestos compounds or not. Asbestos inspection is best carried out by a certified professional tester to eliminate chances of contaminating the air.

Q.  What happens during the asbestos testing phase?
A.  The main purpose of testing is, of course, to check the presence or otherwise of asbestos in collected samples. Hence, an asbestos tester is used for evaluation. If asbestos testing results return positive, recommendations on best removal method based on findings can be proffered.

 Q. What is Asbestos air monitoring?
A. Asbestos air sampling or monitoring describes the process of checking the air quality on an ongoing and regular basis during asbestos abatement works, as required by law in NYC.

Q.  What if no safe removal methods can be employed?
A. There are cases where safe removal of asbestos may not be possible, rendering such buildings permanently inhabitable. However, in most cases, a safe alternative is to completely seal off asbestos in a process called encapsulation. Encapsulated buildings ultimately become safe for residents, ruling out the chances of inhaling hazardous asbestos dusts.

Q.  What happens next after removal of asbestos?
A.  Residents of asbestos-laden buildings are tentatively evacuated after the discovery of materials containing the harmful substance. The area may also be sealed off if necessary to prevent escape of asbestos dusts to other parts of the building. A special (class H) vacuum cleaner can also be used to double down on safety during and after the removal process.

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