Asbestos

Asbestos is a microscopic fiber that has been bound together with other products in varying amounts to form a matrix that is usually not hazardous when left undisturbed. However, the process of removing the material can release asbestos fibers from the matrix, especially during demolition, remodeling and renovation activities. Since 1992, AQHI, Inc. has been removing asbestos-containing materials from homes, schools, hospitals, commercial facilities and government buildings.

Although asbestos-containing construction materials are no longer manufactured, they are still common in thousands of applications, including acoustic ceiling texture, floor covering, roofing, heating duct insulation and drywall joint compound

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Asbestos Removal in the Home

In California, asbestos is considered a hazardous material and its handling is heavily regulated by several federal, state and local agencies.

When the material is disturbed, fibers can remain airborne for days. Therefore, removal should not be undertaken without a full understanding of the precautions that must be followed.

Through years of experience AQHI, Inc. has developed a system of practices and procedures that are designed to:

• Minimize fiber release during removal of the asbestos-containing material
  
• Isolate the specific location(s) of the home that will undergo asbestos abatement from other areas to prevent wide-spread contamination
  
• Filter the air within the work area to entrap fine asbestos particles and cleanse the air
  

All work is completed in a timely and professional manner. The following procedures are utilized on a typical project:

• Doors, vents, windows and other air passageways are sealed with plastic sheeting to eliminate migration of fibers to other locations within the home
  
• In cases of pre-existing contamination, specific areas are pre-cleaned with high-efficiency vacuums
  
• Where feasible, the work area is isolated from other areas of the home inside an airtight enclosure that is created by securing plastic sheeting to all walls and floors with moisture resistant tape
  
• Asbestos-containing materials are thoroughly moistened before disturbing, then removed carefully and in small sections from areas that are promptly cleaned.
• For personal protection, asbestos removal technicians wear disposable coveralls and particle-filtering respirators
  
• Air within the work area is continually filtered during asbestos removal operations by a specially equipped air filtration device that traps asbestos particles prior to exhausting air outside the work area
  
• Contaminated debris is packaged into plastic bags that are sealed air-tight before leaving the work area
  
• Personnel, equipment and packaged debris are decontaminated prior to exiting the enclosure to ensure that other areas of the home are not contaminated
  
• Packaged debris is manifested and delivered to a licensed hazardous waste landfill for burial and final barriers are removed
• An independent, Certified Asbestos Consultant may be recommended when the homeowner requests post abatement air clearance documentation (AQHI, Inc. can provide a list of qualified consultants if requested)