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Although most people believe asbestos use was stopped in a certain year, the use of asbestos in most products was never completely banned in the United States.
Asbestos Services
Havona Environmental provides certified field personnel for all asbestos services offered.
Inspections
Limited or comprehensive asbestos inspection services include the following:
• Identifying, mapping, and quantifying suspect building materials
• Collecting bulk samples of suspect building materials
• Providing accredited laboratory analysis
• Preparing a written report with all findings
Air Monitoring
• Indoor Air Quality Sampling
• Worker OSHA Monitoring
• Abatement Perimeter Monitoring
• Post-Abatement Clearance Sampling
Background
Asbestos is composed of minerals with long, thin fibrous crystals. The word "asbestos" is derived from a Greek adjective meaning inextinguishable. The Greeks termed asbestos the "miracle mineral" because of its soft and pliant properties, as well as its ability to withstand heat.
Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century due to its resistance to heat, electricity, chemical damage, sound absorption and tensile strength.
The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. Since the mid 1980s, many uses of asbestos are banned in many countries.
Uses of Asbestos
Asbestos has been used in thousands of building materials because it is plentiful, readily aailable, and low in cost. Asbestos gained wide spread use due to its high tensile strength, fire retardant characteristics and poor heat electrical conductivity.
Some Asbestos Containing Building Materials (ACBM) include:
• Joint compound
• Mud and texture coats
• Drywall
• Plaster
• Stucco
• Ceiling tiles
• Vinyl floor tiles, sheeting, adhesives
• Roofing tars, felts, siding, and shingles
• "Transite" panels, siding, countertops, and pipes
• Fireproofing
• Caulking and mastics
• Gaskets
• Thermal pipe insulation, boiler insulation, duct insulation |
