If you own a commercial building in Meadows Park, Illinois, the word “asbestos” probably makes you nervous — and for a good reason. Asbestos is a dangerous substance that should be removed from any building in which it’s contained to keep all building occupants and visitors safe. This asbestos removal contractor in Northbrook, Illinois is going to explain what friable asbestos, is and what makes it so dangerous.

Different types of asbestos you should know

Asbestos is a natural mineral that was once extensively used in building materials because of its structural properties and resistance to heat and chemicals. But there are two types of asbestos you’ll need to know about: friable and non-friable. Knowing the difference between the two helps you understand how serious your own asbestos situation is and what you can do about it.

Non-friable asbestos is the less dangerous of the two. In non-friable ACMs (short for asbestos-containing materials), those microscopic asbestos fibers are tightly bound in the material, so they don’t usually become airborne. For example, vinyl floor tiles and some cement products can contain non-friable asbestos. As long as these non-friable ACMs are undisturbed, they don’t become too big of a health risk to building occupants.

What makes friable asbestos dangerous?

Friable asbestos is the dangerous kind and must be removed by a licensed asbestos removal contractor in Northbrook, Illinois. Because it is “friable,” this type of asbestos can be easily crushed, crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand when it is dry. When disturbed or damaged, friable asbestos fibers can easily escape into the air and are more likely to be inhaled by building occupants. You can find friable asbestos on piping, ducts, and boilers, fireproofing, ceiling texture and panel products, and soundproofing.

The dangers of airborne asbestos cannot be overstated. When you inhale these fibers, they become trapped in your lung tissue or mesothelium (a simple cell layer surrounding organs in the body cavity) and cause serious health problems. The most common asbestos-related diseases are:

• Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease that can cause scarring of lung tissue, breathing difficulty, a dry cough, and chest pains.
• Lung cancer: It claims the most lives among asbestos-related diseases and is far more common in workers with heavy exposure to asbestos — like those working in mines or manufacturing facilities.
• Mesothelioma: Although a very rare type of cancer, mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure and affects the tissue that lines the inside of your chest and abdomen, the space around your heart, and most organs.

Given how dangerous it can be, the use of friable asbestos (anything with more than 1% asbestos that can crumble easily) has been heavily regulated by the EPA. Many applications of friable asbestos have been banned, but you will probably still see some old friable ACMs around.

There are also strict rules on handling and removing asbestos-containing waste. That’s why you’ll want to have a licensed asbestos removal contractor in Northbrook, Illinois by your side. They have the training, experience, and tools to safely remove asbestos from your building, making sure that no asbestos fibers become airborne during the process.

Looking for an Asbestos Removal Contractor in Northbrook, Illinois?

Have you recently discovered asbestos in your commercial building? If so, and if you’re ready to have it safely removed by the best asbestos removal contractor in Northbrook, Illinois, Axis Response Group is the top choice. We have successfully removed asbestos from all types of commercial buildings over the years, and we would be happy to do the same for you. Contact us today at (773) 427-6811 to learn how we can help.