If your property contains high amounts of asbestos, it may be necessary to demolish it for your safety. Asbestos is a minuscule fiber that’s resistant to fire, corrosion and electricity. Before people knew how dangerous it was, asbestos was frequently used in several industries, including construction, mining, shipbuilding and firefighting. Here are some of the dangers of asbestos exposure during demolition.
Asbestos Related Diseases:
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer commonly associated with asbestos exposure and usually has a poor prognosis. It occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers most of your internal organs and can lead to difficulty breathing, chest pain, stomach plain, unexplained weight loss and painful coughing.
Lung Cancer
While lung cancer is most commonly caused by tobacco smoke, it can also result from asbestos exposure. It develops in the lungs and can cause you to suffer fatigue, persistent coughing, chronic respiratory infections, shortness of breath and chest discomfort. Treatments for lung cancer include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a condition that causes severe scarring to the inner lung tissue from prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. Symptoms of the condition include shortness of breath, chest tightness, loss of appetite and a persistent cough. While asbestosis isn’t fatal like cancerous tumors, it can increase your risk of respiratory or cardiac failure.
Preventing Asbestos Exposure During Demolition
If you don’t have any experience in demolition, it’s not safe to do the job yourself. One of the biggest risks of DIY demolition is exposure to asbestos. If you don’t have the proper equipment, you could unknowingly expose yourself to asbestos during demolition.
That’s one of the many reasons it’s important to hire an experienced demolition crew to do the job. They possess the proper training and tools to demolish a property in a safe manner.
Hiring a Demolition Contractor
If you are planning to tear down your property, it is important to choose the right demolition crew. They should have extensive experience, training and have the proper insurance.
During your initial meeting with an asbestos contractor in Los Angeles, CA, don’t hesitate to ask them questions about their experience and training, such as how many years they’ve been in business, what fees they charge and when they can begin the project. It may also be a wise idea to ask them for a few references. Call these references and ask them about their experience with the contractor.
Thanks to Nielsen Environmental for their insight into demolition services and asbestos exposure during demolition.
