Trusted Manhattan Asbestos Testing and Inspection
Did you know that breathing in a single asbestos fiber can cause long-term lung disease?
Although abatement efforts are ongoing in Manhattan, New York State is still ranked as number three in the nation in asbestos-related deaths. What all of this means is having your commercial building or home tested and inspected for asbestos is a good idea. And because of the toxicity of asbestos, the need may even be urgent.
RTK Environmental Group has been providing unbiased asbestos testing in Manhattan – including the Upper West Side, Tribeca, Greenwich Village, the East Village, Midtown, Soho, and the Upper East Side – for over 25 years. Our asbestos inspectors, management planners, and project designers are licensed by the New York State Department of Health and certified under the federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. We can expertly locate asbestos in your home or workplace.
A History of Asbestos in Manhattan
Asbestos is a carcinogen that can cause serious respiratory ailments, among them lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. The underlying problem is that asbestos-related diseases usually don’t present for 15 to 40 years, after asbestos exposure.
Before the 1980s, asbestos was used in building materials such as roofing materials, pipe and boiler insulation, ceiling and floor tiles, fireproofing products, and asbestos-based cement, among others. Because these materials were so prevalent in construction, they can still be found in Manhattan apartment buildings, brownstones, homes, schools, commercial buildings, hospitals, churches, and other structures. And if that weren’t bad enough, even some newer apartments today may contain asbestos-containing materials.
6 Reasons to Test for Asbestos in Manhattan
- Asbestos Affects Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality has become even more top-of-mind since the start Coronavirus pandemic. As New Yorkers increasingly spend more time indoors—whether working from home or virtual schooling—people are realizing that their indoor air quality is critical to their health. Word is getting out that certain building materials that harbor toxins, like asbestos, can negatively impact the quality of indoor air. Commercial asbestos testing in Manhattan remains crucial, as older buildings are demolished and undergo renovations every day, releasing asbestos fibers into the air. But those fibers could easily travel into your apartment or workplace, so it’s important to have a residential asbestos test, as well.
- You are planning to buy or sell a property.
Just about every potential buyer will (or should) ask whether the home or building contains asbestos. This can affect the price and potential sale of the home or building. Although asbestos testing is considered inexpensive (all things considered), the costs for abatement can be quite hefty.
- A renovation is planned.
When asbestos is disturbed, it can crumble and change into powder or dust. Once this happens, tiny asbestos fibers become airborne. Inhaling the fibers can lead to serious respiratory illness, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma, as well as pleural disorders such as asbestosis. Important: There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure, meaning even one fiber can cause serious illness.
- Your home or building has water damage or sewage backup.
Unfortunately, water damage in Manhattan buildings is fairly common. When water damage occurs, flooring, walls, ceilings and associated insulation may need repair or replacement. Problem is that these materials often contain asbestos, which is a health hazard. So, when addressing water damage, you also need to call in an asbestos professional, like RTK Environmental Group. Why? When not handled properly, asbestos can be harmful to your health and its cleanup can cost thousands and add extra time to the repair process. Bottom line: Testing can help protect your health and prevent unnecessary (and costly) delays during the restoration process.
- Your home or building contains vermiculite attic insulation.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a staggering 70 percent of vermiculite sold in the U.S. from 1919 to 1990 came from a mine near Libby, Montana where harmful asbestos deposits were discovered. While authorities handled the situation in Libby, the vermiculite lives on in countless homes and businesses. The EPA states that “if you have vermiculite insulation in your home, you should assume this material may be contaminated with asbestos and be aware of steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from exposure to asbestos.” Good advice for Manhattanites!
- You, a family member, or employee are experiencing unusual symptoms.
Shortness of breath with physical exertion, dry cough, chest pain, or fatigue that won’t go away are all symptoms of asbestos-related disease. See your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. RTK Environmental Group can help with the rest.
RTK’s Approach to Asbestos Inspection in Manhattan
- Conduct a comprehensive site survey to identify asbestos-containing materials
- Provide asbestos bulk, air, and soil sampling
- Provide a detailed report identifying the location, quantity, and condition of asbestos-containing materials
- Prepare an asbestos prioritization plan in cases when removal of all asbestos-containing materials is not possible
To make sure your asbestos issue has been resolved, we can conduct an asbestos clearance test to see if all asbestos fibers have been cleaned up to meet EPA standards.
Although asbestos is extremely dangerous, it is easily managed. Our trained and accredited asbestos professionals service Manhattan and can have your home, business location, construction site, or remodeling project sampled safely and in compliance with state, city, and county regulations. Take the necessary steps to make sure you, your workers, or your family are not exposed to asbestos. Call RTK Environmental Group to schedule an appointment today at 800.392.6468.
