Professionally Licensed and Certified in Pennsylvania & Maryland
Toll Free (855) 312-3642
PA Contractor # PA050710
Historically, asbestos was a fiber used to strengthen a variety of products as well as for its heat insulation and fire resistance properties. There is asbestos in many older homes and buildings because it was once a common component used in construction. It was not until much later that the health hazards from long term asbestos exposure were discovered. This is because symptoms of asbestos related diseases usually do not appear until 20-30 years after exposure to asbestos.
Repeated exposure to high levels of airborne asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of:
- Lung Cancer
- Mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the lining of the chest and abdominal cavity
- Asbestosis, in which the lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue
If disturbed, asbestos containing material may release asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled into the lungs. Asbestos material that crumbles easily, or that has been sawed, scraped, or sanded into a powder, is more likely to create a health hazard. Inhaled fibers can remain in the lungs for a long time, increasing the risk of disease.
PENOCO, Inc. can identify the different types of asbestos fibers based on samples obtained. The following are sources that may contain asbestos/asbestos fibers:
- Roofing and siding shingles (transite)
- Insulation in homes built between 1920 and 1980
- Vermiculite insulation prior to 1990
- Prior to 1977, textured paint, joint compound, and patch
- Artificial ashes and embers for fireplaces
- Older stove top hot pads
- Walls and floors around wood burning stoves
- Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives (mastic)
- Hot water/steam pipes, and blanket/tape in older homes
- Oil and coal furnace gaskets
Materials containing less than 1% asbestos content by composition, are not considered to be hazardous by EPA standards, and do not require special handling. If you are planning to remodel, or have questionable material, call PENOCO to professionally sample the material to identify your risk.
We are professional asbestos abatement contractors, licensed by the following:
- Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry
- City of Phildelphia Department of Public Health (Air Management Services)
- Allegheny County Health Department Bureau of Environmental Quality
- Maryland Environmental Service Department (MES)
We adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations and oversight regarding the notification and removal process for asbestos removal.
For more information on asbestos, Waste Disposal, or our Containment Process, please visit our Education Corner page.
Asbestos
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