Asbestos Removal

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is the name of a group of highly fibrous minerals that are mined for their strength, durability, and high resistance to heat.

Before the dangers of asbestos were discovered in the 1960’s, asbestos was considered the best material for fire protection, chemical isolation, and electrical insulation.

The high tensile strength of asbestos made it economical for floor coverings, piping, siding, and a variety of other construction materials. Asbestos was phased out for use in the U.S. in the late 1980’s.

Pipe Insulation Removal

Why is Asbestos dangerous?

When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, the microscopic fibers separate and become airborne.

These fibers are potentially harmful when inhaled. Over 5 million homes, 700,000 businesses, and 200,000 public buildings, including schools, contain asbestos.

If asbestos-containing material is scheduled for removal or demolition, the E.P.A. recommends

Octopus Furnace Asbestos Removal

that a professional asbestos removal company be involved. Improper removal can result in the fibers being released into the air, endangering workers, residents, employees, and building occupants.

How do you know if you have Asbestos?

Asbestos can only be identified by a qualified professional. Asbestos and supplies used in asbestos removal must be properly disposed of, as per E.P.A. and D.E.Q. regulations.

Asbestos is a hazardous material and should not be taken lightly.

Some items that may contain asbestos:

• Cement Pipes
• Pipe lagging (insulation on pipes)
• Laboratory hoods and table tops
• Insulation on boilers and tanks
• Floor tile and mastic
• Sheet vinyl floor covering, vinyl tiles and mastic

• Spray-on acoustic materials
• Roofing materials
• Tape (used in wrapping pipes and ducts)
• Outside building panels
• Fire-proofing materials
• Caulking materials
• Ceiling tiles
• Popcorn Ceilings
• Heating and electrical ducts
• Wallboard
• Vermiculite Insulation
• Siding

How IRS Environmental can help

As certified asbestos specialists, IRS Environmental is licensed to safely survey and sample possible asbestos-containing materials. If the sample comes up positive, IRS Environmental will work with you to decide what is best for your unique situation.

Our recommendations will be based on a thorough investigation of building condition, future renovation plans, tenant and employee safety, and your budget.

Containment In High Tech Environment

IRS Environmental manages all projects with the protection of the environment, employees, and tenants in mind.

We have completed thousands of asbestos removal projects, from small residential projects for as little as $350 to major projects over a million dollars.

We have provided large scale confidential services to many clients who cannot risk the loss of customer traffic during the removal of asbestos materials, and we always meet or exceed E.P.A. and local agency regulations.

Think you may have asbestos? Please contact us – we can help.