Best asbestos removal specialists near Steuben, NY

According to the National Cancer Institute, asbestos-related diseases can take anywhere from 10 to 40 years for symptoms to appear. The health risks increase with prolonged and heavier exposure. Risk factors also include:

• Amount of exposure

• Chemical makeup, size, and shape of the asbestos fibers

• Length of time a person is exposed to asbestos

• Genetic factors 

• Source of exposure (direct exposure or secondhand exposure from someone directly exposed)

if you install new siding on top of old asbestos siding, you may keep the fibers trapped, but it would not necessarily be considered encapsulation. To do so properly requires a professional, who uses a certain type of sealant that needs to be spread over the asbestos in a number of layers in order to trap all the fibers. Although you may be able to buy this sealant yourself, it is highly advised that, once you find asbestos, you call a pro immediately. 

Asbestos siding can be dangerous, but it doesn't necessarily pose a health risk if it's in good condition and left undisturbed. The danger comes from inhaling asbestos fibers, which can be released if the siding is damaged, deteriorating, crumbling, or disturbed during remodeling or repairs. Exposure to these airborne fibers can cause serious, life-threatening diseases like asbestosis (lung scarring), mesothelioma (an aggressive cancer), and other lung cancers.

If your asbestos siding is intact, the general recommendation is to leave it alone. However, if it's damaged or you plan to renovate, it's crucial to handle it safely. Due to the significant health risks and the difficulty of containing the fibers, it is not recommended to perform any asbestos work yourself. Instead, you should hire a professional asbestos removal company to inspect, repair, encapsulate, or remove the material. The presence of asbestos can also negatively impact your property's value.

Abatement focuses on immediate hazard control while remediation encompasses a comprehensive cleanup and long-term safety strategy. Abatement refers specifically to reducing or eliminating the immediate hazard by removing or encapsulating it. It’s a targeted approach aimed solely at controlling asbestos risks. Remediation is a broader term that involves the entire process of addressing contamination to restore a safe environment. Remediation can include abatement, decontamination, air quality testing, and post-cleanup monitoring.