If you own or manage a commercial building in the Palatine area, you might be worried about the presence of asbestos. Asbestos was a common material used in construction back in the day, but we now know it can have serious health implications.

Unfortunately, it is not always easy to spot asbestos if you don’t know what to look for, as it was usually mixed with other materials. Fortunately, that’s where we can help. Below, this asbestos removal contractor in Palatine, Illinois is going to provide some tips on how to spot asbestos in your commercial building, and we’ll also explain what you should do to ensure safety and compliance.

What is asbestos, and where might you find it?

Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were once extremely popular in construction. Once introduced, these materials quickly grew in popularity because they were tough, resistant to fire, did not conduct electricity, and offered excellent insulation. Today, you can sometimes find asbestos in old floor and ceiling tiles, roof shingles, siding, and insulation materials. Asbestos was also commonly used in pipe and boiler insulation, fireproofing materials, and even some textured paints.

Asbestos gets dangerous when its microscopic fibers become airborne. This happens when asbestos-containing materials (or “ACMs”) get damaged, disturbed, or worn down over time. Cutting, sanding, or drilling into these materials, for example, can release those dangerous fibers into the air.

Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems. Long-term asbestos exposure has been linked to lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma — an aggressive and rare form of cancer in the thin layers of tissue that line the lungs. Because of its many health risks, there are now strict regulations about the use and handling of asbestos in buildings.

When should you be worried?

Though not every old building material contains asbestos, it’s still important to be careful when dealing with older commercial buildings. Asbestos was used a lot in buildings constructed or renovated before the 1980s, so if your building falls into this category, it’s Best to have it inspected by an asbestos removal contractor in Palatine, Illinois.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends checking for asbestos in these cases:

• If your building was constructed or had major renovations before the 1980s, there’s a higher chance that ACMs were used.
• If you see signs of wear and tear like fraying, crumbling, or deterioration in older building materials, it could indicate the presence of asbestos.
• If you plan any renovations or demolitions that could disturb old materials, it’s important to check for asbestos first to keep its fibers from becoming airborne.

How can you be sure there’s asbestos in your building?

The only definitive way to tell if your commercial building has asbestos is through testing by a qualified asbestos removal contractor in Palatine, Illinois. They will thoroughly inspect the building to find possible ACMs and collect samples.

Once they have the samples, they send those to a certified lab. The lab tests will determine if the materials have asbestos — and, if they do, what type and in what concentration. This information is crucial in deciding what to do next, which might include leaving the material undisturbed, covering them up, or removing them.

Looking for an Asbestos Removal Contractor in Palatine, Illinois?

Do you suspect that your commercial building might contain asbestos? If so, and if you’re looking to schedule an inspection with a professional asbestos removal contractor in Palatine, Illinois, look no further than the team at Axis Response Group. Contact us today at (773) 427-6811 to get started.