Asbestos Abatement

What Is Asbestos?

According to OSHA, asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals used in certain products, such as building materials and vehicle breaks, that resists heat and corrosion.

What Are The Dangers?

While asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, frequent or excessive exposure to the fibers can cause serious health issues. The inhalation of asbestos can cause fatal diseases related to the respiratory and nervous systems as well as other major organs. 

Symptoms and issues related to asbestos exposure may not appear immediately, and can take years before full development occurs. We always recommend our clients to exercise caution around asbestos products, and emphasize that all abatement should be handled by a licensed and professional asbestos abatement contractor.

If you would like more information on the dangers of asbestos, you can visit:

Where Can I Find Asbestos?

Due to the fiber’s strength and heat resistance, asbestos can be found in a variety of building materials, and a wide range of manufactured goods. These include, but are not limited to: 

  • Pipe, Boiler, and Ductwork Insulation/Tape
  • Exterior Siding and Roof Shingles
  • Ceiling Material (popcorn, acoustical, etc.)
  • Floor tiles and Linoleum 
  • Adhesives, Epoxy, Mastics, Glue Dabs 
  • Joint Compound
  • Vermiculite Insulation 
  • Plaster 
  • Cement or Cement Boards
  • Friction products (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts)
  • Textured Paint
  • Fire Doors and Fire Blankets
Being that asbestos fibers are invisible to the naked eye and can be mixed in with almost anything, we always recommend that a full asbestos and hazardous material survey be conducted prior to the start of any renovations. This can prevent accidental disturbance of asbestos containing materials and possible contamination. You can contact Atlantic, or your local, licensed and reputable Industrial Hygiene firm to guide you with this process. 
Pleural Mesothelioma
Fatal Diseases

Asbestos Abatement & Removal

At Atlantic, each project is individually assessed in order to determine the client’s best and most practical method of abatement. Listed below are the various methods utilized by our company:

Asbestos Spot Repair is used when only a fraction of the exposed asbestos becomes damaged. This involves either the abatement or encapsulation of a small portion of asbestos containing material. A spot repair is defined differently by each state based on its quantity.

Asbestos Encapsulation is the act of applying a material to cover existing asbestos pipe insulation, boiler covering, or breaching. Atlantic uses a canvas style wrap and mastic to cover and seal the exposed asbestos, allowing the asbestos to remain intact and safe. Encapsulation is a frequently selected option for individuals who do not wish to perform a full scale abatement, and would like to continue utilizing the material as insulation for their heating system. 

Asbestos Enclosure is the method of encasing an asbestos containing material (ACM) with a non-asbestos covering or case. This can be done by building soffits, placing ceilings, encasements, or placing flooring covers over existing ACMs, thereby not allowing any asbestos fibers to escape.

Asbestos Removal is used as a final solution to an asbestos problem when all other remedies do not correct the situation at hand.

Interior removal/abatement, generally involves the following: 

  • The set up of a Poly Containment (a sealed off area utilizing industrial grade plastic), in which no unauthorized individuals have access to for the duration of the project.
  • Negative air machines that place the containment under a negative containment pressure. This ensures clean air-flow throughout the containment while asbestos fibers are simultaneously trapped in the machines with HEPA filters.
  • Industrial strength HEPA-Filtered Vacuums.
  • A Three Chamber Decontamination System set up to enter/exit the decontamination unit. Signs adorn the abatement area to keep out all unauthorized personnel. 
  • The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on all employees during the abatement. Including tyvek suits, project-specific respirators, HEPA Filters, etc. 
  • A Final clean and Lock-Down of the area with a spray encapsulant. 
  • Independent Industrial Hygiene Firm performs a Final Visual and Air Quality Clearance to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the area for its inhabitants. 
  • Once the area is confirmed to be safe, our crew tears-down our containment, and you are once again allowed to occupy the area.

Check out some of our completed abatement projects in our Portfolio!