Understanding Lead and Asbestos Abatement

 For many people, the idea of buying an older home is an alluring one. Let’s face it, they don’t build them like they used to, and if you appreciate the charm and character that comes with an older house, it is understandable that you would stay away from newer construction. It is worth noting, however, that along with the positive aspects of an older home, you can inherit some problems as well. For instance, some older homes can have faulty wiring or plumbing that needs to be fixed. In some cases, you may also have to deal with lead paint or asbestos insulation. While lead and asbestos abatement can sound daunting, especially considering some of the health risks involved, working with a seasoned team of professionals can give you some peace of mind. At Scope Environmental, we can thoroughly excise any traces of lead and asbestos in your home, allowing you to work on the more do-it-yourself (DIY) chores that can make owning an older house so enjoyable.

If your home was built prior to the 1970s, there is a good chance that there is lead-based paint in it. The reason for this is that its use was fairly common up until some of the dangers of lead poisoning were more thoroughly understood. Also, lead-based paint, when adequately covered, is generally safe–it is when it becomes exposed that it can become a problem. Asbestos insulation was also a common building material for a very long time. If it is contained, asbestos is not much to worry about, but when it breaks up and its particles are released into the air, it can cause serious harm to the respiratory system. If you think you have lead or asbestos in your home, it can help to consult with a full-service remediation business like ours to gain a better understanding of what is in your home, as well as the steps necessary to remove hazardous materials.

THE LEAD AND ASBESTOS ABATEMENT PROCESSES
Lead paint should only be removed by a professional with an Environment Protection Agency (EPA) certification. First, all furniture will need to be removed from the area. Next, the removal professional will diagnose the impacted area and either remove the paint or encapsulate it with a new surface. The method used will largely depend on where and how lead paint has been used in your home.

The asbestos removal process is somewhat similar in that the technicians doing it should have an EPA certification. Asbestos also has to be disposed of in designated locations. A team, such as ours at Scope Environmental, will come into your home and fully extract the asbestos while drawing safety gear and keeping the area properly ventilated.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION TODAY
If you have concerns about the use of lead or asbestos in your home, we can help. To schedule your initial consultation, call us today. You can also reach us by email by visiting our contact page.