• What Is Asbestos?

    Certified Asbestos Abatement in Houston, TX

    Asbestos is a hazardous material commonly found in industrial establishments and was formerly a preferred construction solution. It is linked to a wide range of health risks, raising the importance of effective removal. To satisfy these critical procedures, Excel Industrial Group provides full-service asbestos abatement services in Houston, TX.

    What Is Asbestos?

    Once regarded for its versatility and affordability, asbestos is now known to be problematic. Derived from soil and rock, asbestos consists of six natural minerals characterized by thin, fibrous crystals that cannot be detected by the naked eye. The resiliency of asbestos fibers made it a popular industrial building material in the 20th century.

    The History of Asbestos in the United States

    Asbestos was formerly a premier choice for product fabrication because of its extended durability, fire resistance, insulating properties, and affordable price point. However, modern research discovered that along with its redeeming qualities, asbestos was also extremely toxic. This caused the induction of stringent asbestos regulations in the 1980s.

    The Reality of Asbestos Exposure

    While there are regulations surrounding the use of asbestos in the United States, this problematic mineral is not entirely banned. Moreover, the risk of asbestos exposure remains a very real concern. Many older commercial and industrial facilities still feature some form of asbestos product.

    Types of Asbestos

    Asbestos is a term that covers various forms of asbestos products used in commercial and industrial applications. There are two categories of asbestos, amphibole and serpentine, and six types of asbestos. The amphibole family refers to five forms of asbestos: actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, and tremolite, whereas the serpentine asbestos family is defined solely by chrysotile.

    Chrysotile

    Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, is the only member of the serpentine asbestos family and the most widely used type of asbestos. With superior insulation and fire-proofing properties, chrysotile was favored for construction, accounting for 90-95% of all building asbestos in the United States.

    Actinolite

    Actinolite asbestos is a darker-colored mineral in the amphibole family. This type of asbestos was commonly used in the manufacturing of cement, paint, drywall, sealants, and insulation products.

    Amosite

    Amosite, also known as brown asbestos, is an amphibole mineral. It is the second most popular form of asbestos, accounting for approximately 5% of all asbestos used in America. Brown asbestos is typically associated with insulation, tiles, and gaskets.

    Anthophyllite

    Anthophyllite asbestos is another type of amphibole asbestos. Ranging from yellow to brown, anthophyllite was seldom used for consumer applications. However, it has been found in certain types of insulation and cement products.

    Crocidolite

    Crocidolite is an amphibole asbestos commonly referred to as blue asbestos. Crocidolite offers reduced heat resistance, so it is far less sought-after than alternative asbestos types. Applications that may contain blue asbestos include tile, insulation, and cement products.

    Tremolite

    Tremolite is the fifth and final member of the amphibole family. Its color varies from cloudy white to dark green. Tremolite is associated with plumbing materials, paint, and sealing agents.

    Risk Categories of Asbestos Products

    Asbestos products are classified as friable or non-friable. These classifications indicate the exposure risk of the material. Asbestos products that crumble into a powdery substance when manipulated by hand are known as friable. Non-friable products refer to asbestos fibers contained within a solid material. Friable asbestos products are associated with higher risks than non-friable products.

    The Health Risks Associated with Asbestos

    Both short- and long-term exposure to asbestos are linked to certain asbestos-related illnesses. Inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers contributes to a prolonged latency period and gradual development of numerous health conditions, including:

    • Laryngeal cancer
    • Lung cancer
    • Ovarian cancer
    • Mesothelioma (cancer of vital organ lining)
    • Asbestosis (chronic lung disease)
    • Pleural thickening
    • Pleural plaques

    How to Test for Asbestos 

    If you suspect the presence of asbestos, it’s imperative to seek professional intervention. Asbestos cannot be simply removed. Demolition or renovation procedures pose the risk of aggravating the asbestos, elevating the likelihood of hazardous exposure. To protect your business and employees, look to our Excel Industrial Group’s certified waste management team.

    How to Safely Handle Asbestos Removal

    Asbestos abatement is a multistep procedure used to remove asbestos-containing materials. To limit exposure risks, asbestos abatement includes:

    • Assessment to detect and test asbestos materials
    • Containment to mitigate the risk of airborne asbestos fibers
    • Asbestos removal using specialized equipment and detachment techniques
    • Compliant hazardous waste disposal procedure

    Asbestos Abatement with Excel Industrial Group

    We recognize the dangers of improper asbestos abatement. To minimize exposure and restore the safety of your property, we employ a meticulous asbestos abatement process that adheres to all applicable local, state, and federal regulations. With years of expertise and industrial-grade equipment, trust in our experts for effective asbestos and hazardous materials management.

    Contact Us for Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Management

    When you let our waste management professionals handle your asbestos removal, you avoid unnecessary risks. Partner with our certified team for high-quality site assessments, asbestos, and hazardous materials management services in Houston, TX. For more information or to schedule an inspection, contact Excel Industrial Group today.