Asbestos removal is a serious concern, especially in older buildings with outdated HVAC systems. Aging ductwork that hasn't been properly inspected has the potential to spread hazardous materials around, and it's not always as easy to detect as you might think. That's where the asbestos abatement experts at Rainbow Environmental Services come into play. They've been assisting commercial, institutional, and residential clients in Ohio and Northern Kentucky since 1990, and they have a few helpful tips for anyone attempting to spot asbestos around their furnace or HVAC ducts. 

There are many ways to successfully identify asbestos and know when to call for asbestos removal. Make a move toward a healthier environment with the following tips: 

• Note The Materials Used For Ductwork: While asbestos is a known carcinogen today, it was widely used prior to its ban in the 1970s because of its high tensile strength and resistance to extreme heat. In older systems, you should keep an eye out for specific duct materials, like cementitious, which is typically used as a heat shield on walls and ceilings. You may also find asbestos in certain transite pipe air ducts, white corrugated insulation material, and woven duct dampeners. 
• Hazard Level Is Higher Inside Ducts: There are varying levels of urgency when it comes to asbestos removal. When found on the outside of an air supply duct, for instance, the asbestos fibers won't be sucked into the system itself. This lowers the risk of airborne asbestos, but the opposite is true for asbestos found inside ducts. Despite being less prevalent, this places the material directly in the air path, making it a much likelier source of hazardous asbestos levels. 
• Older Furnaces Should Have Air Handlers Inspected: The same goes for the HVAC air handlers in older furnaces. Though one of the available fixes for these antiquated models involves a spray-in solution, the only way to eliminate the risk of asbestos exposure is to fully replace the air handler in question.

When the time comes to remove the asbestos itself, safety is of the utmost importance. That's why it helps to have a company like Rainbow Environmental Services on your side. Each of their teams includes certified supervisors and workers, and each of their vans is fully equipped with everything necessary for testing, removal, and repair. Head to their website for information on asbestos removal, and call them at (513) 624-6470.