Asbestos discovered during an asbestos survey in Houston

Need Quick Access to an Asbestos Survey in Houston?

Asbestos is one of those terms in environmental safety compliance that no one wants to hear. But, many older properties in Houston contain this substance.

If your company is looking to acquire and develop a piece of property that has been around for a while, then you definitely need to book an asbestos survey in Houston.

Below, we will discuss what asbestos is and what a survey entails. We also reveal how you can quickly access a survey for your property.

What Exactly is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally-occurring minerals that consists of tiny flexible fibers. These fibers are smaller than human hair follicles. Due to their size, asbestos fibers can easily be inhaled.

Products containing asbestos have been used in many industries such as construction for decades. It has many favorable qualities on its own:

  • Resistant to corrosion and heat.
  • Can hold up against high voltages.
  • Best used as an insulator.

In the past, these fibers were mixed with other construction materials to make them stronger. Examples include cement, plastic, cloth, and paper. Then, asbestos was discovered to be dangerous.

Over time, materials made with asbestos degraded and dust that was created during this process became harmful. If inhaled, the fibers can easily become trapped in the lungs and body, creating permanent damage.

Then, as more fibers accumulate in the body, inflammation occurs. People who inhale lots of asbestos fibers can develop serious medical conditions. Two of the most severe examples include mesothelioma and asbestosis. As a result of these risks, asbestos was banned in the U.S. in 1989.

Why Are Asbestos Surveys Necessary?

Since asbestos use was not banned until 1989, many old buildings contain this harmful compound. It was widely used in both residential and commercial construction. The most common location of asbestos in old buildings is in the insulation.

Asbestos surveys let you know if your building contains asbestos. If the survey reveals that asbestos is present at your site, then you will need to remove it before any work can take place. When your plan is to demolish the building, your team will need to take extra precautions to avoid inhaling asbestos.

If you are worried your building contains asbestos, you should book a survey right away. The sooner, the better. Failing to act quickly could expose your staff to serious harm. It could also make your business liable for asbestos-related health conditions.

What Happens During an Asbestos Survey?

Asbestos inspections are not all that complex. Licensed asbestos inspectors will perform a few different tests to check for the presence of the harmful mineral.

The most common test is air monitoring. Inspectors will check air quality to see if asbestos dust is present. Next, they will look for asbestos-containing materials in the building. If any materials are located, the team will take samples and send them in for testing.

Your entire survey process can typically be completed in a single afternoon. If your building is quite large, it might take an entire day. The turnaround time for the results is very fast as well.

After test results are received, the inspectors will create a report. They will note if asbestos was located and where it was found. The inspectors will also provide recommendations for protecting your staff. Common recommendations include renovating the structure and removing all asbestos-containing materials.

Book Your Asbestos Inspection Today

Asbestos is not something to mess around with at a commercial building. We are ready to help you out! Our expert team in Houston is capable of performing an on-site survey to determine whether asbestos is present at the property you are looking to acquire.

  • We have completed numerous asbestos projects in the state of Texas.
  • We perform asbestos surveys according to the Texas Asbestos Health Protection Rules.
  • Our knowledgeable team will answer all of your questions along the way.

Now is the time to book an asbestos survey in Houston. Use our order form to schedule your survey or contact RSB Environmental to speak directly with our team and obtain a free quote.