There are many misconceptions about asbestos that can cause unnecessary panic, and in some cases, can lead to unsafe practices. Are you looking for some clarity on the topic? If so, you’ve come to the right place. To clear things up, this asbestos removal contractor in Palatine, Illinois is going to highlight some of the top misconceptions below.

Misconception 1 — Asbestos is banned in the US

Many people think that asbestos is completely banned in the United States, but that is not true. Although its use has gone down A LOT, asbestos can still be found in some products and materials. In 1989, the EPA tried to ban asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), but that ban was overturned in 1991 after a legal challenge. So, you can still find asbestos in some products like roof materials, gaskets, and some car parts.

Misconception 2 — New buildings don’t need asbestos surveys

Many people believe that buildings built after a certain year are free of asbestos, but that is also a misconception. According to regulations under the Asbestos National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), every building, no matter when it was built, has to be checked for asbestos before any renovation or demolition can happen.

If you are planning to remodel or demolish a building, partnering with a professional asbestos removal contractor in Palatine, Illinois can help make sure everything is up to code and safe.

Misconception 3 — Residential buildings are always exempt from asbestos regulations

For single-family homes with four units or fewer, there is an exemption under NESHAP regulations, but this does not apply to larger projects. If you have multiple small houses in a larger development or if your project includes commercial properties, those rules still apply.

Whether you are working on an office building, a big warehouse, or a mixed-use project, you should hire an asbestos removal contractor in Palatine, Illinois before starting any renovations or demolitions.

Misconception 4 — Materials containing <1% asbestos are completely safe

Some people think that materials with less than 1% asbestos are safe and don’t really need special handling. But that is not true. Sure, the EPA only regulates materials containing more than 1%, but that does not mean lower amounts are completely harmless. In fact, OSHA insists that these materials should be handled with care and following specific safety guidelines to protect workers.

Even tiny bits of asbestos can be harmful if they are disturbed. This is why it is very important to hire a professional contractor who can safely remove it from your property and dispose of it.

Safe asbestos management is essential for commercial properties

When it comes to asbestos, not knowing the facts can be risky. Misconceptions around asbestos can lead to improper handling of materials, which in turn can have serious health implications. This is why there are federal rules in place to keep both workers and the public safe.

As a commercial property owner, the first thing you need to do is get familiar with these rules. The next step is finding a licensed asbestos removal contractor in Palatine, Illinois who can give your property a thorough inspection and make sure any materials containing asbestos are removed safely.

Looking for an Asbestos Removal Contractor in Palatine, Illinois?

Have you recently found asbestos in your commercial building? If you’re ready to have it safely inspected and, if necessary, removed by the best asbestos removal contractor in Palatine, Illinois, Axis Response Group is here to help. Contact us today at (773) 427-6811 to get started.