Asbestos Exposure
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Asbestos Abatement
Asbestos first came into use in the early 1900's. By 1970, the US was using about 800,000 tons annually. However, in the 1970's, as people became more and more aware of its hazards, the government started restricting its use. In 1990, a six year program began that would ban about 85% of the asbestos products made in the United States.
Asbestos has been used in many different products. It is estimated that more than 5,000 patents have been issued for products containing asbestos, including brake linings, clutch pads, roofing materials, and insulation. Asbestos becomes a hazard when it is damaged and releases fibers into the air.
The proper removal of asbestos generally requires the assistance of a company that specializes in asbestos abatement. If you plan on doing it yourself, the key part of the removal is to make sure that the particles and tiny fibers that make up asbestos stay out of the air. One of the most effective methods of doing this is with moisture. Humidifiers or water misters can be used to create moisture within the air, the asbestos particles then stick to the water and make them fall to the floor quickly. This lessens the chance of inhalation or contact with the skin.