Asbestos Debris a Concern in the Remains of Fire-Destroyed Buildings

The debris of fire-damaged structures could contain asbestos, a carcinogenic substance.

Older buildings damaged or destroyed by fires may leave behind asbestos in their charred remains. Such debris can cause serious harm to people who inhale it or ingest it. Once commonly used as a building material in buildings across South Florida and across the nation, asbestos has become known as one of the more carcinogenic substances out there. Companies have largely stopped using it altogether, although traces of the substance remain in many structures built prior to the 1980s. People exposed to asbestos often experience breathing difficulties, although they may not develop cancers until years, or even decades, later. Many homeowners, property owners and property managers have proactively tried to eliminate this hazardous substance before it can cause harm. In South Florida, people can enlist asbestos abatement fort lauderdale firms to test for, and get rid of, asbestos in buildings and in outdoor spaces.

Public safety professional and health experts say that people should avoid the areas around burned-down buildings, if at all possible, and use caution to avoid contact with the debris from these buildings. Buildings and homes damaged by fires could put people’s health in jeopardy, not only from airborne contaminants like asbestos and dust, but also from the structures themselves. Fire-damaged buildings could suddenly collapse, imperiling anyone in the vicinity. Debris or dust from these buildings could contain asbestos, and people could unknowingly carry microscopic asbestos fibers into their homes or workplaces if they walk in the vicinity of asbestos-containing buildings.

In Miami area locations like North Miami Beach, Doral, South Beach, Cutler Bay and Hialeah, residents can take measures to protect themselves and their families from the potential danger of asbestos in their homes. They can hire asbestos removal miami companies to determine the extent of asbestos in houses, condos and other structures and eliminate the substance before it causes diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis.

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.

Proper Removal and Disposal of Asbestos in South Florida

Workers should wear protective suits and use extreme caution when removing asbestos or handling this toxic building material.

For good reasons, many property owners and homeowners across the South Florida area have concerns about the possible presence of asbestos in structures or soil on their properties. Asbestos can cause severe health complications for people who inadvertently breathe in or ingest asbestos fibers, especially for people who have prolonged exposure to asbestos. Asbestos exposure can contribute to breathing difficulties in the short term, and long-term exposure can lead to an array of cancers and conditions like asbestosis and mesothelioma. From the Florida Keys to the Treasure Coast, people should seek out the services of licensed and professional asbestos removal firms to test for asbestos and properly eliminate the toxic building material. Accredited firms that offer asbestos remediation miami services, which require a state license, will remove asbestos from older buildings and construction sites the right way.

To ensure the safety of workers and neighboring properties, licensed asbestos removal firms take many precautions to excise asbestos from aging buildings and abandoned properties and dispose of it in the proper manner. These companies, including those that perform asbestos abatement fort lauderdale work, will make sure that their workers wear protective clothing to avoid contacting or inhaling asbestos fibers when they remove the substance from construction sites or buildings undergoing renovations or demolition. These companies will make sure they transport the asbestos to approved disposal sites and take measures to avoid contaminating other sites.

In past decades, especially in the second half of the last century, construction companies and home builders commonly used asbestos in the construction of houses, apartment buildings, stadiums, schools, office buildings, libraries, city halls, theaters, restaurants, condominiums and other structures. When it remains in stable condition, asbestos typically does not pose threats to people’s health.

However, when disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and endanger the health of people and pets. Common symptoms of asbestos exposure can cause shortness of breath, a persistent dry cough, chest pain and other symptoms.

Before Renovating a Home in South Florida, Have It Tested for Asbestos

Home renovations may expose workers to asbestos.

Older homes often make great candidates for renovations and rebuilds. Many custom home builders purchase older homes that have fallen into disrepair or foreclosure, then demolish the existing structures or extensively renovate them. Likewise, house-flippers and investors may try to spruce up older homes. For safety, these companies and individuals should hire leading asbestos abatement south florida firms to test the structures for asbestos and to eliminate the substance if discovered, as many older houses contain asbestos in flooring, walls, roofing, ventilation and other areas. This asbestos could pose serious dangers to the health of those people working on the renovations and demolitions if disturbed.

In cities across South Florida such as West Palm Beach, companies offer asbestos testing and asbestos remediation services for commercial clients and residential customers alike. Construction companies, property managers, homebuyers and homeowners can search for businesses that perform asbestos removal west palm beach services by going on search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Bing. Before hiring such a firm to remove asbestos from a house, apartment building, townhouse or other structure, check to see if the company has a current license to perform the work. The state licenses companies in the asbestos abatement industry.

Asbestos fibers become particularly hazardous when they get dislodged and become airborne. People working on a structure may unknowingly ingest or inhale these unseen fibers, leading to severe and even potentially fatal health problems years or decades later. Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis, among other conditions.