FAQs
- What is Asbestos?
- How do I know if there is asbestos
in my home, building or floor tile?
- Can I take the asbestos containing
material out of my own house?
- How much does it cost to have
asbestos pipe insulation removed from my house?
- I am tearing down a business
building. Do I have to do anything (as far as asbestos is concerned) before I
tear it down?
- Is it required that asbestos be
removed from my child's school?
- Does a building being burned need
to be inspected for asbestos?
- What is asbestos found in?
- Should we inspect our home prior to
demolition and or renovation ?
- Is it common for the regulatory
agencies to visit the job sites?
- What is one thing we should check
prior to deciding who to use for our mold abatement project(s)?
- Do companies guarantee against the
re-growth of mold once abatement has been completed?
- How do molds affect
people?
- Should You Have the Air Ducts in
Your Home Cleaned?
- Why is mold growing in my
home?
- How do I get rid of
mold?
- Who Should Do the
Cleanup?
1. What is
Asbestos?
Asbestos is the name given to a number of naturally
occurring, fibrous silicate minerals mined for their useful properties such as
thermal insulation, chemical and thermal stability, and high tensile
strength.
TOP
2. How do I know if there
is asbestos in my home, building or floor tile?
The only sure way to
find out if there is asbestos in any product is to take a sample of the product
and have it analyzed by a NVLAP approved lab. Advanced Environmental has
qualified and licensed inspectors and can take a sample and send it to an
approved lab for you.
TOP
3. Can I take the asbestos
containing material out of my own house?
OSHA has no control over
what you do in your own house. However, you need to be licensed to remove
asbestos and the material has to be disposed of properly and manifested at an
approved landfill. There are also health concerns if you do try and remove /
disturb the asbestos product in your own house. Advanced Environmental can
remove the asbestos the right way to alleviate any health concerns.
TOP
4. How much does it cost
to have asbestos pipe insulation removed from my house?
The cost of
removing pipe insulation from any property depends on a lot of factors. How
much pipe insulation is there? What is the condition of the pipe insulation?
How difficult is it to get to the pipe insulation? There are other factors and
the best way to find out is to have Advanced Environmental come out and give
you a free quote. Generally, the pipe insulation in a home can be removed for
anywhere between $500 - $3000. Again, it depends on the circumstances.
TOP
5. I am tearing down a
business building. Do I have to do anything (as far as asbestos is concerned)
before I tear it down?
The building needs to be inspected for
asbestos and if there is any asbestos present, it needs to be removed by a
licensed contractor. The debris has to be taken to an approved landfill and
disposed of properly. This requires a two week notification to the DNR and
OSHA. Your demolition contractor also has to notify the DNR.
TOP
6. Is it required that
asbestos be removed from my child's school?
Asbestos does not have
to be removed from a school. It is monitored by the AHERA rules. They are
suppose to have a six month periodic surveillance and a three year
re-inspection. If any remodeling is completed or it has become damaged, the
school is aware of where the asbestos is. If asbestos is present in the areas
where remodeling takes place, proper removal techniques are to be used.
TOP
7. Does a building being
burned need to be inspected for asbestos?
Yes, a thorough inspection
for any asbestos containing material must be conducted prior to demolition by a
qualified licensed inspector. Advanced Environmental Testing and Abatement Inc.
has several qualified and licensed inspectors to make sure the removal is
performed properly.
TOP
8. What is asbestos found
in?
There are thousands of commercial products contained asbestos.
The amount of asbestos in each product varied from as little as one percent to
as much as 100 percent. Some products include but are not limited to floor
tile, window glazing, ceiling tiles, brake drums, roofing material, transite
siding, pipe wrap, etc.
TOP
9. Should we inspect our
home prior to demolition and or renovation ?
YES...Multi family
residences of 4 units or more or more than one in a single block in both Iowa
and Illinois are regulated by the EPA and/or the DNR in those
areas.
Single family or private residence becomes regulated by OSHA once
you pay for any services in any manner on your home. All commercial and
industrial faculties are regulated. If nothing else, the peace of mind and
health guarantee should be all you need to be concerned about before getting
into any project.
TOP
10. Is it common for the
regulatory agencies to visit the job sites?
YES... That is one of
the reasons there is a ten working day notice prior to any demolition and/or
renovation. They may visit the sites to check licenses, paper work and work
procedures.
TOP
11. What is one thing we
should check prior to deciding who to use for our mold abatement
project(s)?
If the company insured for mold abatement, testing and
consulting.
TOP
12. Do companies
guarantee against the re-growth of mold once abatement has been
completed?
NO...Due to insurance restrictions and other problem
areas that may cause mold in the same area, the guarantee usually only goes as
far as the visual inspection and or clearance testing.
TOP
13. How do molds affect
people?
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people,
exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation,
wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies
to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among
workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as
farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and
shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as
obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs. For more
detailed information consult a health professional.
TOP
14. Should You Have the
Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?
There is substantial visible mold
growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of
your heating and cooling system. Many sections of your heating and cooling
system may not be accessible for a visible inspection, so ask the service
provider to show you any mold they say exists
TOP
15. Why is mold growing
in my home?
Humidity and moisture are the dominating factors, and
control strategies should involve decreasing the moisture content of the indoor
air. Moisture problems can be caused by a variety of conditions, including roof
and plumbing leaks, condensation, and excess humidity. Some moisture problems
have been linked to changes in building construction practices during the past
twenty to thirty years. These changes have resulted in more tightly sealed
buildings that may not allow moisture to escape easily. Mold may begin growing
indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of
mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
TOP
16. How do I get rid of
mold?
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores
indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house
dust. Indoor mold growth can be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture
indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you should contact a mold
specialist like Advanced Environmental and fix the water problem. If you clean
up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold
problem will come back.
TOP
17. Who Should Do the
Cleanup?
A certified mold abatement specialist.
TOP
Local
319-287-4447 or 563-323-2849
Toll Free 877-287-4447 |
