Illinois Building Undergoes Asbestos Removal before Demolition

Jan. 13, 2011 - PRLog -- An old brick building that has served the Joliet, Illinois community for over a century is to be torn down to make room for a junior college center.  The 4 story White Store will first be remediated of any asbestos containing materials before the actual structure comes down.

In Illinois, the Illinois EPA Asbestos Unit is delegated authority by the U.S. EPA to enforce the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP).  NESHAP regulates asbestos during demolition, renovation and disposal.  These regulations will be used for the demolition and removal of the asbestos in the project taking place in Joliet.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was added to countless building materials in the past.  Asbestos was used to increase strength, corrosion resistance, acoustical dampening, provide thermal insulation and fire resistance.  According to the EPA website, “Asbestos is the name given to a number of naturally occurring fibrous minerals with high tensile strength, the ability to be woven, and resistance to heat and most chemicals. Because of these properties, asbestos fibers have been used in a wide range of manufactured goods, including roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper and cement products, textiles, coatings, and friction products such as automobile clutch, brake and transmission parts. The Toxic Substances Control Act defines asbestos as the asbestiform varieties of: chrysotile (serpentine); crocidolite (riebeckite); amosite (cummingtonite/grunerite); anthophyllite; tremolite; and actinolite.”

“When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed, asbestos fibers may be released into the air,” reported Ed Chambers, the President of EC2, Inc.  “Breathing high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma and diseases such as asbestosis. Due to this fact, there are regulations that impact how building projects and renovations must proceed if asbestos is found.”

To learn more about asbestos, environmental, mold or indoor air quality (IAQ) issues please visit http://www.4ec2inc.com, email info@4ec2inc.com or call (815) 703-9000.

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About EC2, Inc.
EC2 is a leading provider of environmental consulting and inspection services for clients across the United States. Based in the Chicago area, the company provides their services to clients ranging from local companies and institutions to international Fortune 500 corporations.