1 Priority Environmental Services, Inc. is a licensed, experienced and compliant asbestos abatement contractor and its staff and management has performed over 7500 successful abatement projects since 1985. All Field Supervisors and Technicians are fully licensed and have significant training in safety and the latest techniques to keep projects running smoothly and on budget.
Asbestos is a generic term for a group of six naturally occurring minerals that are mined from the earth known for their strength, flame and heat resistance, and seemingly indestructible qualities.
The Texas Department of State Health Services requires that as of January 1, 2002 (Senate Bill 509) all commercial and public building owners have to provide an asbestos survey to city municipalities before obtaining construction permits for any renovations or demolition.
Asbestos is a generic term for a group of six naturally occurring minerals that are mined from the earth known for their strength, flame and heat resistance, and seemingly indestructible qualities.
Once considered a "miracle mineral," asbestos was used for many years in building construction. It can be found in over 3600 different products.
Asbestos was used in boiler and pipe insulation, plasters, floor tile, electrical insulation, and as a fireproofing material on structural members in buildings. It has also been sprayed on ceilings and walls as acoustic material.
Symptoms of asbestos-related diseases do not occur soon after exposure. Those who are sick today because of asbestos may have been exposed 20 to 40 years ago.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that forms in crystals of long, thin fibers.
In biblical times, asbestos rocks were broken apart and the fibers were used to weave tablecloths. When the banquet was over, the soiled tablecloth was tossed in the fireplace for cleaning and the fire burned off everything and the tablecloth was ready for the next meal.
In the 1870's, asbestos was rediscovered as an excellent roofing material. Because of its versatility as a binder, asbestos was introduced into many, many building materials.
Examples of products that might contain asbestos are:
- Sprayed-on fire proofing and insulation in buildings
- Insulation for pipes and boilers
- Wall and ceiling insulation
- Ceiling tiles
- Floor tiles
- Putties, caulks, and cements (such as in chemical carrying cement pipes)
- Roofing shingles
- Siding shingles on old residential buildings
- Wall and ceiling texture in older buildings and homes
- Joint compound in older buildings and homes
- Brake linings and clutch pads
Asbestos, the "Miracle Fiber" has been shown to be a health hazard after prolonged exposure and was outlawed by the 1980s
"Friable" means that the asbestos is easily crumbled by hand, releasing fibers into the air allowing it to be inhaled or ingested. Sprayed on asbestos insulation is highly friable.
Several diseases are associated with exposure to asbestos, including Asbestosis, Mesophelioma, Lung Cancer, and other asbestos rated cancers, including the latest connection of throat cancer. These are serious diseases that often end in death.
Asbestos can be harmless if not disturbed.
The 6 different types of asbestos are:
- Amosite
- Chrysotile
- Tremolite
- Actinolite
- Anthophyllite
- Crocidolite
Of the six types of asbestos, three are used more commonly. Chrysotile (white) is the most common, but it is not unusual to encounter Amosite (brown / off-white), or Crocidolite (blue) as well.
