Colorado Asbestos Abatement

What Is Asbestos, and Why Is It Dangerous?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of tiny fibers that are highly durable and resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals. It was widely used in construction, insulation, and various industrial products for many decades. Older building materials, including roofing shingles, floor tiles, and insulation, may contain asbestos thanks to its powerful insulating properties and resistance to fire, water, electricity, and chemicals. However, despite its widespread use, asbestos presents serious health risks.

The danger of asbestos lies in its microscopic fibers, which can become airborne when the material is disturbed or damaged. Once inhaled, these fibers can become lodged in the lungs or other tissues, leading to significant health issues over time. Prolonged exposure to asbestos may cause serious diseases, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. 

My Building May Contain Asbestos. Am I in Danger?

If your home or commercial building contains asbestos, you are not necessarily in danger. Asbestos is typically safe when it remains undisturbed, meaning the fibers are not released into the air. These fibers only pose a serious health risk when they become airborne and are inhaled over time. For structures where asbestos-containing materials are intact and undamaged, the fibers should stay bound within the material and cannot harm individuals in the vicinity. Regular maintenance and visual inspections can help assess the condition of such materials and confirm whether any damage is present.

Asbestos generally only becomes dangerous when it is disturbed and the material breaks apart, which turns its tiny fibers into airborne particles. Drilling, cutting, sanding, or breaking down asbestos-containing products are just some of the activities that can cause this disturbance.  Any fibers released into the environment because of these types of work may linger for a long time and create a health hazard. When left sealed, as they are in undamaged insulation, floor tiles, or siding, asbestos materials do not release these particles. In other words, simply living or working in a building with intact asbestos materials does not place occupants at immediate risk.

The presence of asbestos usually requires professional intervention only under specific circumstances, such as during plans to remodel, renovate, or demolish the structure. These types of projects can disturb the asbestos and release its fibers into the air. Our Colorado asbestos abatement professionals can safely handle, remove, or seal these materials to prevent any hazardous exposure. 

Why You Shouldn’t Handle Asbestos Yourself

Removing asbestos is never a DIY project. Handling asbestos yourself poses serious risks to your health and safety. Without the proper training, equipment, and knowledge, it is difficult to recognize and control these fibers effectively. Attempting to manage asbestos without the appropriate expertise greatly increases the likelihood of unintended exposure, putting you and other building occupants at risk.

Our trained and licensed professionals at ECOS have the specialized skills and certifications necessary to deal with asbestos safely. We use advanced tools and follow strict protocols to identify, contain, and remove asbestos materials. Our experts wear protective gear and operate specialized filtration equipment to minimize and contain fiber release during the removal process. Professional asbestos management involves compliance with all regulations that govern the handling and disposal of hazardous materials. Trying to do this yourself could not only lead to health hazards but also legal and environmental repercussions.