The Rise of Asbestos Usage
Asbestos is a hazardous material that was heavily used in America throughout the 20th century until its eradication in 1970’s. Asbestos is highly durable and asbestos usage was extensive in the world of construction during the building process.
There were many reasons for asbestos usage but it was mainly used for its durability and fire protection. Asbestos usage material was also quite low-cost which also prompted its vast usage. Because of its cost and the fact that it is a naturally occurring material, it became increasingly popular throughout the world. The industrial revolution ignited asbestos usage well before it was ever used in America. The United Kingdom used asbestos profoundly starting in the 1950’s prompting its notoriety throughout other nations.
The Fall of Asbestos Usage | The # 1 Reason
Unfortunately, asbestos was later identified as a highly hazardous material to humans that can cause death. Asbestos is only dangerous when it becomes friable and dust from becoming friable the disturbing material is created. The dust created contains asbestos fibers that can be inhaled or digested. These fibers are extremely toxic to humans and long-term exposure can cause disease and even death. This was very troubling to the vast majority because of its extensive use in various building materials.
There are many materials that were created with asbestos usages such as ceiling tiles, floor tiles, fire doors, and insulation. There are many more building materials but these were some of the most widely produced. As people started to experience illness and disease the government began to take notice and certain regulatory entities were formed. Some of these organizations include the EPA, OSHA, and NESHAP. These organizations were established to keep the public safe from asbestos usage exposure.
Asbestos Usage Knowledge
As society’s knowledge grew on the topic of asbestos usage it became apparent that the use of this material needed to stop immediately. Though its production in America stopped in the 1970s that did not solve the problem entirely. There were still hundreds of thousands of buildings that were built with large amounts of asbestos. Thus, asbestos abatement organizations were created.
These organizations were educated and specialized in the removal of asbestos safely. For example, if a building is being demolished and it was built in the 20th century it must first be tested for asbestos. If the testing reveals that there is indeed asbestos then a specialized asbestos abatement company must come in and remove it. After the asbestos is removed the building must pass the clearance tests before it is demolished. These final tests ensure all “ACM,” or asbestos-containing materials, are removed. A clearance is a air sample test that ensures there are no remaining asbestos fibers in the air. In most cases of asbestos removal a clearance is required to resume use of the structure.
Modern Society Moves Away From Asbestos
As society and technology have progressed in the world of real estate, asbestos is slowing disappearing. Since 1976 the use of asbestos has been halted in new building operations. This was a crucial turning point because of how much asbestos was actually used. Asbestos would no longer be used but there was still vast amount of asbestos in structures throughout America. This was a cause for concern because of the materials asbestos was used in. These components were often used as building materials in all forms of real estate.
Following the halt of asbestos usage, the need for asbestos removal increased greatly. Because all asbestos has the potential to be dangerous it caused for strict regulations during the removal process. Modern America now requires specialized abatement workers to handle or remove any asbestos. The reason for this is because asbestos is a hazardous material that has been know to cause death. It is essential that specialized workers remove and dispose of all asbestos.
In Closing
Asbestos is a hazardous material that must be handled with caution. Asbestos offered many benefits to the industry, unfortunately those benefits did not out weigh the negatives. The current industry understands those negatives and that is why regulations have been put into place in order to protect all humans. The removal of asbestos in America is a long process but as the country progresses asbestos quickly disappears. It is important to understand the risks of asbestos exposure and to also understand the fallacies.
