Companies Should Account for Asbestos Before Demolishing Structures

Many older buildings contain asbestos, which can
contaminate surrounding areas during demolition.

In the name of promoting development and progress, numerous communities and municipalities encourage people and companies to renovate and develop properties and parcels of land that have fallen into disrepair. Vacant and foreclosed properties represent missed opportunities for cities to increase their tax bases as well as blights that may scare away potential investors and residents. In many cases, builders will want to “demo” existing buildings and build anew from the ground up. However, demolishing older structures, particularly ones built prior to the 1980s, may lead to asbestos contamination, as many buildings and homes constructed before 1980 likely contain asbestos. Builders across South Florida can hire asbestos remediation firms to eliminate asbestos from buildings in Hollywood, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and other locations. Businesses that perform asbestos abatement miami work can ensure that asbestos does not get spread during the demolition process.

Asbestos can cause serious harm to people’s health, especially if exposed to asbestos fibers over an extended duration. Researchers and health experts have indisputably linked asbestos exposure to the development of cancer, particularly mesothelioma. Other diseases linked to asbestos exposure include asbestosis and lung cancer. Even short-term exposure to asbestos can cause breathing complications, coughing and shortness of breath.

A number of cities and municipalities have developed guidelines and regulations that require developers and general contractors to address potential asbestos within structures and in the ground prior to tearing down old structures and constructing new buildings. Broward County, for instance, requires builders to comply with federal standards and complete pertinent forms. Developers in the area can turn to asbestos removal fort lauderdale companies for help in eliminating asbestos from structures and the ground and complying with local rules and laws. Such firms help builders protect the health of their employees, the safety of surrounding communities and the health of future occupants.