Asbestos Overview
Asbestos is one of
the leading causes of airborne illnesses in schools, offices
and other buildings nationwide. Exposure to asbestos fibers
can cause lung cancer. An estimated 20,000 people will
die each year for the next 30 years from asbestos exposure.
pipes |
chrysotile |
white tile |
If you have reason to believe
that your building has deteriorated suspect building
materials, it is imperative to have those materials tested
for asbestos. For further information, contact ERT, Inc.
today!
Health
Effects
Exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of developing one
or more harmful disease. The most common disease associated
with asbestos exposure is asbestosis – a restrictive lung
disease that is caused by the scarring of the lung by
asbestos fibers. A common symptom of asbestosis is shortness
of breath. Like most asbestos affiliated diseases, the
latency period for asbestosis is 20-40 years. Here are some
other health effects affiliated with asbestos exposure:
Where is Asbestos Found?
Asbestos is a plentiful, readily available & low in cost
mineral fiber. It has been used in thousands of building
materials due to its high tensile strength, fire retardant
characteristics and poor heat electrical conductivity. Due
to these dynamic physical properties, asbestos is commonly
found in fireproofing materials, and is also added to a
variety of building materials to increase strength. The
three categories of Asbestos-Containing Building Materials
(ACBM) are:
-
Thermal System Insulation
(TSI) - Insulation used to inhibit heat transfer or
prevent condensation.
-
Pipe Insulation
-
Boiler insulation
-
Duct Insulation
-
Gaskets
-
Surfacing Materials – ACBM
sprayed or troweled on surfaces for acoustical,
decorative, or fireproofing purposes.
-
Sprayed-On
Fireproofing
-
Plaster
-
Stucco
-
Terrazo
-
Miscellaneous Materials –
Other, largely non-friable, products and materials.
-
Floor Tile
-
Ceiling Tile
-
Transite Board
-
Exterior House Siding
-
Roofing Felt
Our Asbestos Consulting/Services
Since the inception of ERT,
Inc. back in the late 1970's as one of the first asbestos
abatement contractors in the State of California, its staff
has been providing professional and effective solutions to
clients who seek to survey, manage or abate asbestos. ERT,
Inc. inspectors are certified asbestos consultants with the
State of California. ERT, Inc. provides professional
services to residential, commercial, industrial and
government entities. Professional services include asbestos
surveys, abatement project design, abatement monitoring,
contractor selection assistance, PLM Bulk Sampling Analysis
and Characterization Service.
From being able to staff a
small abatement clearance project, to writing a detailed
specification for a multi-site asbestos abatement project,
ERT, Inc. consulting staff is experienced and capable of
handling projects large or small. The staff has a very
diverse experience base, with consultants that have worked
in virtually every type of structure imaginable, under a
variety of conditions.
Asbestos Inspections
Accurate and reliable building inspections are carried out
by EPA and state certified asbestos consultants. Each
consultant has a comprehensive knowledge of asbestos issues
ranging from analytical methods, to asbestos containing
materials and uses in buildings. Their understanding of
materials facilitates inspections of dust, insulation
materials, vinyl floor tiles, acoustical products, and other
potential hazardous materials. Results can be presented in
site specific inspection reports with. Whether this
inspection be requested for the typical real estate
transaction, and/or be required by BAAQMD prior to
renovation/demolition activity, ERT, Inc. can customize this
inspection to meet your needs.
Asbestos
Abatement Consulting Services
Comprehensive asbestos abatement consulting services are
offered including specification development, inspection and
documentation of work practices, air monitoring and
clearance sampling. Emphasis is placed on personnel
protection, secure containment, and safe abatement
practices. ERT, Inc. is capable of referring you to multiple
abatement contractors in the area that are licensed and
certified to remove asbestos.
Clearance/Environmental/Precautionary Air Sampling (TEM/PCM)
This air sampling can be performed inside containment (e.g.,
work area) post asbestos abatement prior to re-occupancy.
Air sampling can also be conducted during asbestos abatement
outside the work areas or containment to ensure tenants,
occupants, or the general public is not exposed to airborne
particulate or asbestos fibers.
PLM Bulk Sampling Material Analysis and Characterization
Service
Whether you take a sample of a specific building material
and mail it or hand deliver it to our office, ERT, Inc. is
capable of analyzing this sample to determine the presence
or absence of asbestos. ERT, Inc. can also take samples for
you on-site of certain building materials you question or
are concerned with.
AHERA 3
Year Inspections/6 Month Periodic Surveillance
Was required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act
all schools public or private K-12 are required to inspect,
manage, and operate and maintain all asbestos containing
building materials in each of their school sites. ERT, Inc.
currently works with various school districts in the State
of California to ensure they keep in compliance with this
mandatory regulation.
Asbestos
Articles on the Web
Asbestos Video Links
Video 1
Video 2
Video 3
Video 4
|
 |
Services:
Asbestos
North Bay Office
1990 N. California Blvd., 8th Floor
Walnut Creek, California 94596
(800) 660-1808 Toll Free
(925) 937-0700 Phone
South Bay Office
6472 Camden Ave., Ste. 102B
San Jose, California 95120
(800) 660-1808 Toll Free
(408) 866-4141 Phone
"As
Executive Vice President of De Wolf Realty Company Inc. in
San Francisco, the oldest active Real Estate Company in in
the country, we strive to get the very best vendors that
offer quality service and as well as good pricing. It has
been our experience that we have had all three all three
with ERT, specifically, with Richard Fanelli. We depend on
both his advice with regards to mold and asbestos issues and
his immediate responses to our needs. Richard not only
always comes through, but as well, comes through in a very
timely manner. His reports are released to us in a very
short time as well as the lab work he sends out on our
behalf. I would high recommend ERT to anyone that might ask;
and we have done just that."
Aaron Sinel
De Wolf Realty Co. Inc.
"I would like
to thank Dominick at ERT, Inc. for his excellent service and
professionalism he showed during the asbestos inspection of
our house. As a first time buyer, we were very apprehensive
in making a decision, but Dominick's excellent consultancy
and the guidance he gave me prior to my final decision, made
me go ahead with the purchase. I will definately use ERT,
Inc. in the future if and/or when I acquire another
property. Thank You so very much!"
Katie Cade
Saratoga, CA
 |
