Even though its use has been banned in most cases, asbestos can still be found in many older commercial buildings today. And we are not only talking about factories or warehouses — schools, office buildings, and even retail stores can all have asbestos.

This is a big problem, because asbestos is an extremely dangerous material. Every year, it is estimated that 1.3 million American workers in construction and general industries are potentially exposed to asbestos. If you own or manage a commercial building, this is something you cannot afford to ignore.

Below, this asbestos removal contractor in Morton Grove, Illinois is going to explain where asbestos is most likely to be in commercial buildings, and how people are exposed to it.

Many older commercial spaces still have asbestos in common building materials.

Asbestos exposure does not happen randomly. It usually occurs when asbestos-containing materials (or “ACMs”) are disturbed in some way. This could happen during renovations, repairs, or even as materials age and break down over time.

The problem is that many older buildings contain ACMs because asbestos was once thought to be a “miracle material” and was widely used for its fireproofing, soundproofing, and insulating properties. Asbestos was commonly used in materials like adhesives, flooring, insulation, plumbing, roofing shingles, and even HVAC systems, and this means that ACMs could be growing anywhere in a commercial building.

If you own or manage an older building and have not had it inspected recently, how confident are you that there is no asbestos hiding somewhere? If you are not 100% sure, you should call an asbestos removal contractor in Morton Grove, Illinois for an inspection and to make sure your building is safe.

People are exposed to asbestos when fibers are released during repairs or maintenance.

Say that an older building containing ACMs is being renovated or repaired. If someone drills into a wall or pulls up old flooring, it can release asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers are extremely small and can stay airborne for a long time, which makes it easy for people to breathe them in. Construction workers, office employees, and anyone else in the building could unknowingly be exposed.

However, asbestos exposure can happen even during everyday activities and routine maintenance.

For example, if an HVAC technician accidentally disturbs old insulation that contains asbestos, fibers can get released into the air, and anyone nearby could breathe them in. Or think about a maintenance team replacing old floor tiles. If those tiles contain asbestos, breaking or scraping them could send fibers into the air and create a hazard for everyone in the building.

Even normal wear and tear can cause asbestos to become a problem. Water damage, for example, can weaken ACMs over time and as these materials break down, they can release fibers into the air. So, even if you are not doing any major work on your building, asbestos could still pose a very real risk.

By scheduling regular inspections with an asbestos removal company in Morton Grove, Illinois, you will be able to address any asbestos concerns before they become more dangerous.

Handling asbestos removal yourself is extremely dangerous and against regulations.

Handling asbestos removal on your own is never a good idea. Disturbing asbestos without the proper training and equipment is extremely dangerous and can put you and everyone around you at risk.

A licensed asbestos removal company in Morton Grove, Illinois will have the tools, training, and experience needed to handle asbestos safely. They know how to seal off the affected area, remove the hazardous materials, and properly dispose of them. They also follow strict guidelines and regulations to make sure no one is exposed to the dangerous fibers during the process.

It is worth mentioning that you can’t throw asbestos away like regular trash. There are rules for disposing of ACMs, and failing to follow them can result in fines or lawsuits. When you hire a licensed asbestos removal company, you can be sure that everything is done correctly, keeping you, your employees, and your building safe.

Looking for an Asbestos Removal Contractor in Morton Grove, Illinois?

Have you recently found asbestos in your commercial building? Or maybe you suspect it could be there, but you are not sure yet? In either case, if you’re ready to have it safely inspected and, if necessary, removed by the best asbestos removal contractor in Morton Grove, Illinois, Axis Response Group is the top choice. Contact us today at (773) 427-6811 to learn how we can help.