Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos Remediation

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is resistant to heat and corrosion. Because of these characteristics, it’s been used over the years in insulation, floor tiles and other building materials. We see it often in the field of construction – particularly when there is renovation, repairs or demolition.

It’s easy to get exposed to asbestos, particularly if you are a construction worker, and the minerals in asbestos are known to cause cancer. You will often hear of people who associate asbestos with mesothelioma, a disease that causes the build-up of scar-like tissue in the lungs or stomach. Mesothelioma is fatal.

To the untrained eye, it may be hard to identify. It actually looks like attic insulation – a ball of thick fuzz. Sometimes asbestos fibers are too small to be seen with the naked eye. These thinner strands can be the most dangerous. While it is no longer produced in the U.S., we continue to import some asbestos every year. Old buildings are more likely to have asbestos in them.

Actually, removing asbestos can be more dangerous than leaving it intact. If it’s sealed properly and left undisturbed, asbestos doesn’t pose a danger to us. It’s the breathing of the fibers that is dangerous.

In most cases, the discovery of asbestos happens when renovation has already started. Or when you have a water or fire emergency, the renovation that is necessary to clear the space may expose asbestos.

Any homeowner should avoid contacting, disturbing or damaging asbestos material. Instead, have any repair or removal work done by a qualified asbestos professional. Don’t clean the debris, vacuum or dust. Don’t drill holes or use a saw or sander on asbestos materials. And don’t let any contractor you hire track asbestos fibers into your home.

OSHA has set requirements for companies like Paragon Environmental to follow. We have certain work practices that control and reduce the levels of asbestos and each state certified worker is required to use personal protective equipment.

A professional company like Paragon Environmental will first make an inspection of your home or business. We will take samples and send these out to professional testing technicians to test the materials. Once testing is completed and results are known, we’ll then advise you on your options for correcting the situation.

We serve all of the Front Range and High Country including these major cities:

• Denver
• Lakewood
• Littleton
• Thornton
• Westminster
• Arvada
• Aurora
• Boulder
• Centennial