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Protech Environmental Services Inc
4.7(
77
)

Serving Ferndale, WA and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Pro is an important part of their name, and they live it! Protech Environmental is a top notch contractor. We hired them to safely remove vinyl flooring that contained asbestos, after we found them on the WA state Labor & Industries Certified Contractors List. Use this list in combination with Angi before you have any asbestos remediation done. Protech's bid was the lowest bid we received, but that was not the only reason we chose them. Each time we contacted them, they responded within a few hours. We sent Protech and the other bidders questions about their plans for the job, including their workers' vaccination status (they are all vaccinated), how long the work would take, and other things. They responded promptly and completely, and came to the house in advance of the work to make sure they knew exactly what we needed. On the day of the job, they called us several hours before they were to begin, to tell us they had to deal with an equipment problem and would be here about an hour late. They weren't that late, only about 40 minutes. Once they began, they worked efficiently, finishing the work in less time than expected. An important part of asbestos abatement is the clean up at the end of the project, and they did a wonderful job. They did a great job of removing their barriers with only a few spots where their tape took small amounts of paint from the walls. Any staples were removed and the woodwork was not harmed. We are very pleased with Protech's work. We will recommend them to anyone we know and the next time we need a contractor we will look at them first to see if they offer the services we need."
Recommended by96%of homeowners
Lead Testing and Removal questions, answered by experts

DIY kits are available for basic air quality testing, but professional services provide more comprehensive results and recommendations. While a DIY kit may seem cost-effective, a professional assessment is more thorough. Inspectors are better equipped to catch all pollutants and hazards, and you'll still need a professional to verify and act on DIY test results. Furthermore, some kits don't test for certain pollutants or only detect their presence without measuring specific levels (like mold spores). It's generally better to opt for a detailed professional assessment.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hazardous waste is generally classified into four main categories:

1. Characteristic Wastes: These exhibit at least one of four hazardous traits: ignitability (flammable, like gasoline), corrosivity (can rust or decompose materials, like car batteries), reactivity (unstable and can explode, like aerosol cans), or toxicity (harmful when ingested, like lead-based paint).

2. Listed Wastes: These are specific wastes from manufacturing and industrial processes that the EPA has officially designated as hazardous. They include byproducts from processes that use solvents, pesticides, and other chemicals.

3. Universal Wastes: These are commonly generated hazardous items that are subject to streamlined regulations. Examples include batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment (e.g., bulbs), and some lamps.

4. Mixed Wastes: This category includes waste that contains both hazardous and radioactive components, making it subject to regulation by both the EPA and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Lead toxicity comes from inhaling lead or consuming it. Before the 1980s, when the government banned lead from consumer use, it could be found in paint, plumbing, pipes, ceramics, and even gasoline. Lead paint is toxic for the same reason lead itself is toxic, which is why lead poisoning from paint presents the same as lead poisoning from water or food sources, with a slight increase in respiratory symptoms vs. digestive symptoms. Lead paint is most dangerous when it’s old and peeling, cracking, or otherwise disturbed. This increases the concentration in the air and, therefore, in breathable air. 

While the EPA provides guidelines for homeowners to perform DIY lead paint removal, it is a risky process and generally not recommended due to serious health risks and strict regulatory requirements. The process requires precise safety precautions, such as wearing a respirator and protective eyeglasses, creating sealed exits, and using a HEPA vacuum for cleanup. To ensure the job is done safely, effectively, and in compliance with regulations, it is highly recommended to hire a professional lead abatement company. Certified professionals have the necessary training, experience, and specialized equipment (like chemical strippers and HEPA vacuums) to handle and dispose of hazardous materials safely.

Results from professional lead testing are typically available within a few days to a week (2-7 days), depending on factors like laboratory processing times and the volume of samples being analyzed. Expedited services may also be available for urgent situations.

The Ferndale, WA homeowners’ guide to lead testing and removal services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.