Discovery of Asbestos can Halt Progress on Renovations of Buildings

Renovations at the Sydney Opera House were halted following the discovery of asbestos.

Renovations at the world-famous Sydney Opera House recently ground to a halt following the discovery of asbestos. In the midst of $200 million renovations, workers pulled off the site of the iconic building, known for its architecture, due to safety concerns. Like many buildings constructed during the 20^th century, the complex of the Sydney Opera House contains asbestos, a potentially toxic building material that can cause forms of cancer, respiratory ailments and other health problems. Asbestos can put the health of workers in danger if they inhale or ingest microscopic asbestos fibers. Asbestos in buildings across South Florida can endanger the health of residents and workers. Before undergoing remodeling projects or renovations, older buildings in places like Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach should get tested for asbestos. Companies that provide asbestos abatement fort lauderdale services can help property owners and general contractors ensure a safe working environment for workers on site.

Before demolishing or renovating buildings in places like Miami, Kendall, Miami Beach, Doral, Aventura, Hialeah, Miami Springs, Coral Gables or other locations across the city, builders and contractors may want to hire asbestos testing companies to determine if the structures contain asbestos. Licensed asbestos removal miami businesses will typically follow protocols to safely and responsibly eliminate the asbestos. Professional and state-licensed asbestos abatement generally will abide by industry protocols to avoid cross-contamination and to safely dispose of the asbestos.

Following the discovery of asbestos, employers have the responsibility to take steps to protect the health and safety of workers, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA may require employers to provide personal exposure monitoring and to train workers in hazard awareness. Employers should also provide workers with personal protective equipment and protective clothing to minimize workers’ exposure to asbestos, as there is no safe level of asbestos exposure.

Hire Asbestos Professionals to Test for and Eliminate Asbestos

Known to cause malignant forms of cancer and respiratory diseases, asbestos has caused health problems for people across the country and around the world due to its presence in houses, office buildings, courthouses, apartment buildings, condominiums and other structures. For decades, builders and construction companies used asbestos extensively in single-family homes, warehouses, shopping centers, strip malls and other structures because of the positive attributes of the substance, such as its fire resistance, soundproofing and other qualities. A large percentage of structures built before the 1980s, when its use largely phased out, could contain asbestos. Unfortunately, this means that many homes and workplaces across South Florida may have this dangerous carcinogen in ceilings, flooring, walls and other areas. South Florida businesses and residents can turn to professional asbestos testing south florida firms to determine whether their residences and premises bear this harmful material.

Its widespread use in the building of all kinds of structures means that asbestos could potentially threaten the health of people living in all areas of South Florida, including Miami-Dade County, Broward County locations like Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood and Palm Beach County cities like Delray Beach, Jupiter, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. Although asbestos often does not affect people’s health, and many people can live in asbestos-laden homes for years without adverse health effects, the substance can rear its ugly head and cause severe health problems for people during renovations, demolitions and remodeling projects. Such instances can allow asbestos fibers to get released into the air. Prior to renovations and remodeling projects, people may want to hire asbestos abatement broward companies to find and remove this hazardous substance.

People in South Florida should only hire licensed and accredited asbestos firms to perform this type of work. Licensed by the state, these businesses have to meet professional standards and criteria to stay in business.

Navy Veterans Among Many Affected by Exposure to Asbestos in South Florida

Those who served on Navy ships in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s may have been exposed to asbestos.

Due to its long latency period, many people exposed to asbestos do not experience symptoms until years or even decades after exposure. Those who worked in environments or conditions with asbestos may not come down with asbestos-linked diseases and conditions until after they retire. People who live in asbestos-laden homes in South Florida may not develop symptoms related to asbestos exposure until years or even decades after they lived in these homes. Veterans who served on Navy ships in the 1960s and 1970s may just now, or in recent years, start to feel sick because of their exposure. Sadly, people who live or work around asbestos often develop terrible respiratory diseases, such as mesothelioma, a rare and often deadly form of cancer. Companies and residents can hire firms that offer asbestos testing south florida services to determine whether asbestos exists in houses, office buildings, apartment buildings and condominiums across the area.

As awareness about the harms associated with exposure to asbestos has grown, increasing numbers of people in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and other South Florida locations have sought to minimize the potential for developing asbestos-related diseases like asbestosis and cancer. Businesses that perform asbestos removal miami work have eliminated asbestos from locations such as courthouses, apartment buildings, hotels and condos. These asbestos abatement firms have helped to make public spaces, workplaces and homes across the region safer.

People who worked in various professions, including shipbuilding and in the armed forces, may have higher chances of developing asbestos-related illnesses and diseases. Veterans of the Navy who served aboard various ships or submarines may have had extensive exposure to asbestos, and may, unfortunately, develop mesothelioma, asbestosis or other conditions as a result. People who worked at various shipyards across the country likely came into contact with asbestos as well. Many people who worked in telecommunications, particularly those who installed cables and lines, have also developed diseases related to asbestos.

Asbestos in Outdoor Areas can Endanger People and Halt Projects

Asbestos in dirt piles can slow progress on construction projects and roadwork.

While people typically think of asbestos as an indoor contaminant within houses, apartment buildings and other structures, this dangerous and toxic substance can contaminate public spaces such as parks, roadways and vacant lots, posing dangers to the public and slowing progress on construction projects and other endeavors. Asbestos, a naturally-occurring compound that people have mined and used for millenia because of its beneficial properties, including fire resistance, sound proofing and insulation, can cause severe health problems for people exposed to it. Asbestos on work sites across South Florida can imperil the health of workers and cause costly delays to construction projects, including roadwork. Leading firms in South Florida that offer asbestos removal miami services can clear asbestos from construction sites and other outdoor areas, making it less dangerous for people to work on site.

Asbestos can contaminate soil as well as bodies of water due to various causes. Construction sites that sit on land formerly used by some industries that heavily used asbestos, such as shipbuilding, may have concentrations of the substance in the soil. Unfortunately, some places have become contaminated by asbestos due to illegal dumping of the material or improper disposal of asbestos. Whatever the reason for asbestos contamination, top asbestos abatement companies across the area can help contractors, property owners and property managers in Fort Lauderdale and other Broward County locations properly get rid of asbestos. People should only hire state-licensed, professional and insured businesses to perform asbestos abatement fort lauderdale work.

The best professional asbestos removal companies do not cut corners or try to perform their work on the cheap. Instead, they follow proper guidelines to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure for both their employees and their clients. They handle asbestos with extreme care and make sure to properly dispose of the substance.

Exposure to asbestos can cause numerous health complications, including respiratory conditions and different forms of cancer. Experts have estimated that asbestos kills thousands of people each year.