Overview:
Asbestos is one of the leading causes of airborne illnesses in schools, offices and other buildings nationwide. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer. An estimated 20,000 people will die each year for the next 30 years from asbestos exposure.
If you have reason to believe that your building has deteriorated suspect building materials, it is imperative to have those materials tested for asbestos.
Where is asbestos found?
Asbestos is a plentiful, readily available & low in cost mineral fiber. It has been used in thousands of building materials due to its high tensile strength, fire retardant characteristics and poor heat electrical conductivity. Due to these dynamic physical properties, asbestos is commonly found in fireproofing materials, and is also added to a variety of building materials to increase strength. The three categories of Asbestos-Containing Building Materials (ACBM) are :
Thermal System Insulation (TSI)-
Insulation used to inhibit heat transfer or prevent condensation.
• Pipe Insulation• Boiler inusulation• Duct Insulation• GasketsMicellaneous Materials-
Other, largely non-friable, products and materials.
• Floor Tile• Ceiling Tile• Transite Board• Exterior House Siding• Roofing Felt • Sheet Vinyl
Surfacing Materials-
ACBM sprayed or troweled on surfaces for acoustical, decorative, or fireproofing purposes.
• Sprayed-On Fireproofing• Plaster• Stucco• Terrazo • Ceiling & Wall Textures
Health Effects:
Exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of developing one or more harmful disease. The most common disease associated with asbestos exposure is asbestosis – a restrictive lung disease that is caused by the scarring of the lung by asbestos fibers. A common symptom of asbestosis is shortness of breath. Like most asbestos affiliated diseases, the latency period for asbestosis is 20-40 years. Here are some other health effects affiliated with asbestos exposure:
• Lung Cancer• Mesothelioma (Cancer of the Stomach)• Cancer of the Esophagus, Colon & PancreasServices:
Building Inspection -
Zilco NW provides licensed asbestos building inspectors to conduct a comprehensive inspection to identify suspect asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM). The inspection includes:
• Sample Collection• Sample Analysis• Quantification of Materials Present• Hazard Assessment• Course of Action Recommendation• Report GenerationAbatement Removal -
Zilco NW provides licensed supervisors and workers to remove asbestos building materials from your home or facility. These services include, but are not limited to:
• Conduct a walkthrough survey of the work area• Establish a work zone perimeter• Shut down the HVAC system• Clean/Remove non-stationary items from the work area• Cover and seal stationary items with polyethylene• Establish a decontamination unit• Utilize a negative-air pressure system equipped with a HEPA filter• Employ wet removal techniques inside containment• Clearance air sampling performed following abatementProject Management -
Licensed Asbestos Project Managers provide project supervision and a comprehensive final report, including daily activity reports and contractor submittals.
Air Sampling -
Licensed Air Sampling Professionals will provide air sampling on a project specific basis according to applicable regulatory procedures. Services include the following:
• Indoor Air Quality Sampling• Worker OSHA Monitoring• Abatement Perimeter Monitoring• Post-Abatement Clearance SamplingOperations & Maintenance Programs -
Developed and customized for the facility as a management tool for asbestos-containing materials in the facility. This plan incorporates employee training and respiratory protection programs.