Asbestos Abatement

ARC Construction has a long standing reputation as being one of the most competent and knowledgeable asbestos abatement contractors in the mid-Atlantic region.

With the growing emphasis on worker and public protection, asbestos is becoming a more prevalent hazard in the construction industry. Not only can improper and ill informed workers pose a danger to themselves but also a danger to other workers on job sites as well as a danger to the public. At ARC Construction we specialize in knowing how to properly handle and dispose of asbestos so as to mitigate the risk and reduce the liability associated with asbestos.

ARC is licensed in Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia to perform asbestos abatement activities. With over 100 years of combined managerial experience and over 60 field employees, we are more than capable of handling any asbestos project you may have. ARC performs abatement contracts ranging from 300,000 sf in excess of $4,000,000.00 to 50 sf residential projects down to $2,000.00. Regardless of the size, we treat all clients with the upmost respect and as if they are family.

Asbestos: a brief synopsis

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found commonly throughout the world. There are over 7 different types of asbestos, all of which exhibit similar properties but some perform better in certain categories than others. Regardless of the type, asbestos is resistant to many chemicals, to water, and to heat or fire. Because of its fibrous nature, it is also extremely well suited for adhesion. These properties are what make asbestos so well suited for the different applications it was and is used in. Unfortunately, these properties are also what make it so dangerous to human health.

Asbestos is found in everything from floorings and adhesives to roofing materials to drywall and joint compound all the way to concrete and duct and pipe work. Its important to know that asbestos is most dangerous when it is in a friable state. The definition of friable is; easily crushed or pulverized under normal hand pressure when dry. Essentially if you can touch it and turn it into a powder, it could pose a hazard. Asbestos is dangerous when friable because it can be inhaled in and embed itself in the lungs. This is where many of the illness’s seen and hear in the media today result such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Luckily enough, the majority of asbestos today, in its current condition is in a non-friable state and as long as it is maintained in this state it poses little risk.

Although found in mainly older homes and buildings, because of its regulation in the 1970’s and 1980’s asbestos can also be found in newer buildings of architects and owners are not careful. Asbestos is still readily available for purchase on the market in many building materials and can be installed if people don’t pay attention to the materials being used. If you are conducting a renovation, regardless of age, it is always recommended to consult an expert, although the risk of finding asbestos in newer building is notably less.

Then why do I see men in space suits?

You see men (or women) in “space suits” because employers must protect their employees when conducting asbestos abatement activities. These suits are used to prevent asbestos fibers from becoming embedded in employees clothing and being carried out side containment and to protect the workers respiratory system while removing asbestos.

When conducting renovation or demolition activities of a building, it is very likely that if asbestos is present, even non-friable asbestos, it will be disturbed and rendered friable during those renovation activities. As such, contractors, such as ARC, come in to remove the asbestos either prior to, during, or after renovation activities, in order to accomplish the over all goal of the project. By setting up the proper engineering controls and following worker protection protocols, ARC mitigates and prevents the public and other workers from being exposed to asbestos fibers.