Trusted Westchester County Asbestos Testing & Inspection Service
Did you know that breathing in a single asbestos fiber can cause long-term lung disease?
Although abatement efforts are ongoing in Westchester County, New York State is still ranked as number three in the nation in deaths related to asbestos. What all of this means is having your home, commercial building, or school tested 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 Westchester County 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 any asbestos in your home or workplace.
A History of Asbestos in Westchester New York
Asbestos is a carcinogen that can cause serious respiratory ailments, among them lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The real 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 ceiling and floor tiles, pipe and boiler insulation, roofing materials, asbestos-based cement, and fireproofing products, among many others. Because these materials were so prevalent in construction, they can still be found in homes, commercial buildings, schools, apartments, hospitals, churches, and other structures throughout Westchester County. And if that weren’t bad enough, even some newer homes and buildings today may contain asbestos-containing materials.
6 Reasons to Test for Asbestos in Westchester
- Your home or building has water damage or sewage backup.
If this is the case, the flooring, ceilings, walls and associated insulation may need repair or replacement. These materials often contain asbestos, which needs to be handled by a professional. If not handled properly, cleanup can cost thousands, and add extra time to the cleanup. Testing can help prevent unnecessary (and costly) delays during the restoration process.
- A demolition or 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.
- 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.
- Asbestos Affects Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality has become top of mind since the Coronavirus pandemic. People are realizing that their indoor air quality is critical to their health, and materials that might harbor toxins, like asbestos, can negatively impact the quality of your indoor air. Commercial asbestos testing in Westchester 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 workplace or home, so it’s important to have an asbestos test.
- 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. The problem with that is that there were asbestos deposits at the same mine, so the vermiculite from Libby was contaminated with asbestos. 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.”
- You, a family member or employee are experiencing unusual symptoms.
Chest pain, shortness of breath with physical exertion, dry cough, 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 Environmental Group Approach to Asbestos Inspection
- 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 all of Westchester and can have your home, potential business location, construction site, or remodeling project sampled safely and in compliance with state 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.
