Did you know that asbestos, a mineral found in nature, was a go-to choice for building materials until the 1980s? Unfortunately, it was later discovered to cause some serious health issues. If you’re worried that your home or workplace might have asbestos lurking around, don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand the process of dealing with it.
If you are not certain if you have asbestos, you can call a testing company to find out. As a general rule though, all structures built before 1980 contained asbestos in any number of the materials used to build it. If you choose or need to remove it, there are two EPA-approved methods for doing this: Removal by a licensed abatement company, or encapsulation. Of these, abatement can easily cost ten times more than encapsulation.
What Is Asbestos Encapsulation?
Asbestos encapsulation is a way to trap toxic asbestos fibers in place without disturbing or removing them. This method keeps the air clean and safe, at a price that protects your budget.
In addition, encapsulation also seals the harmful VOC’s in the oils of mastics, that do and those that do not contain asbestos.
What Is a Protective Coating?
Protective coating refers to any type of material that is applied over an existing surface to protect it from damage or corrosion. Regarding asbestos containment, this type of coating is designed to provide further protection against fibers entering the air by creating an additional physical barrier between exposed surfaces and the environment. This layer of protection can help reduce both short-term exposure from accidental disturbance of contaminated materials as well as long-term exposure due to natural wear and tear over time.
Some of the encapsulation coatings manufacturers are ABC Fiberlock, Specialty Solutions. and Thermoguard. These products are made for different purposes so make sure to purchase the one designed for your application. These coatings might be made for Friable ( the soft fibrous asbestos) and others for the non-friable asbestos-like those looked in mastics, concrete and tiles, etc.
The key is to use an encapsulating sealant that is specified for your situation and performs within the safety measures defined by the EPA guidelines for encapsulating asbestos-containing materials. Once you’re done, you’ll have a rock-solid barrier guarding you against
airborne particles.
Ultimately, asbestos encapsulation and protective coating solutions can be a great way to address your asbestos concerns without needing to go through a costly removal process. The important thing is to always consult the manufacturer before making any decisions about if their product is right for your needs. It is important to use products made for ACMs and adhere strictly to safety protocols. Doing so will help you feel like an asbestos superhero and ensure that your loved ones are safe from harm.
