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.

Popcorn Ceilings Represent Another Potential Source of Asbestos in Homes

Popcorn ceilings in homes, especially those built before the 1980s, may contain asbestos, a potentially harmful substance.

Although asbestos does not pose a threat to people when stable, this highly toxic substance can cause serious harm to people’s health when its fibers become airborne, and this dangerous building material lurks in many homes across South Florida. Home builders often used asbestos or materials that contain asbestos in various aspects of construction, including in flooring, insulation and ceilings. The popcorn ceilings found in older homes across the area, in locations like Boca Raton, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Hialeah, West Palm Beach and Jupiter, may include asbestos. Popcorn ceilings installed before the 1980s typically have asbestos, potentially putting people at risk of asbestos exposure when the ceilings get damaged or disturbed. Businesses that offer asbestos abatement miami services can help homeowners address asbestos concerns throughout their homes. These firms help customers identify asbestos in condominiums, apartment buildings, houses and other structures.

The use of asbestos-laden popcorn ceilings largely phased out in the 1980s, but builders used such ceilings for decades in buildings across Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County and across the nation. Unfortunately, many older townhouses, villas, condos and houses built in the decades prior to the 80s carry this potentially dangerous building material. Contact companies that offer asbestos removal fort lauderdale services to learn more about the process and cost of eliminating asbestos from residential buildings, commercial locations and other places.

Exposure to asbestos, particularly long-term asbestos exposure, can lead to serious medical problems, including some that can prove fatal. Asbestos fibers can do substantial damage to people’s lungs, as well as cause different forms of cancer. Some people exposed to asbestos have developed diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer and numerous respiratory conditions. Breathing in asbestos fibers may not lead to immediate symptoms, but people may develop medical problems years or even decades later.

Consider hiring asbestos remediation companies to find and get rid of asbestos in your South Florida home.