Asbestos is a word that often raises concerns, and for good reason. This once widely used material has been found to pose serious health risks, making professional asbestos abatement a necessity in many homes and buildings. At CRAL Contracting INC., we specialize in safe and effective asbestos removal throughout Syracuse, New York and the surrounding areas. Below, we break down five key points you should know about asbestos.
The History and Mining of Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was, and still is highly valued for its heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties. Historically, it was mined in various locations worldwide, including Canada, Russia, China, South Africa, and the United States. Canada, in particular, was one of the leading producers of asbestos for much of the 20th century, with large deposits in Asbestos, Canada and Quebec. The mineral’s fireproof and insulating properties made it a popular choice in the construction, shipbuilding, and automotive industries. However, as the health risks became widely known, regulations were put in place to phase out its use in many countries. Although “banned” in the United States, you can still find products at common stores throughout the country that still include asbestos in the ingredients.
Most Common Areas Asbestos Is Found
Asbestos was widely used in construction materials throughout the 20th century, meaning it could be present in:
· Insulation, Vermiculite (attics, walls, and pipes)
· Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives (7×7 and 9×9 tiles)
· Roofing shingles and siding (transite siding)
· Popcorn ceilings and textured paints
· HVAC duct coverings and fireproofing materials
If your home or business was built before the 1980s, there’s a good chance asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) may still be present. Even if it was built after the 80s, there is still a strong likelihood that your home has asbestos present. The only true way to know if your home has asbestos is to have it tested by a local asbestos-certified company.
Albany Asbestos Testing Companies: AirWater Environmental, Paradigm Environmental, Alpine Environmental, Bald Eagle Inspection Services, Breathe Easy Environmental, Clear Vu Inspections, Spectrum Environmental
Binghamton Asbestos Testing Companies: AWA Environmental, Professional Home Inspections, Keystone Environmental, Secor Home Inspections, Paradigm Environmental
Buffalo Asbestos Testing Companies: 56 Services, Lock Environmental, Paradigm
Rochester Asbestos Testing Companies: CanAm Environmental Safety, Lozier, AEG Environmental
Syracuse Asbestos Testing Companies: Rockwell Environmental, Paradigm, AEG Environmental, Churchill Environmental, Essential Home Inspections
Watertown Asbestos Testing Companies: Converse Labs, Green 2 Green Consulting, Paradigm
What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos in Your Property
If you suspect your property contains asbestos, do not disturb it! Asbestos fibers become hazardous when airborne. Instead:
· Avoid any drilling, sanding, or cutting of suspected materials.
· Keep the area sealed off and prevent airflow disruptions.
· Contact a certified asbestos professional to conduct testing and provide guidance on the next steps.
If you have someone come to your property or bring/send a sample elsewhere to be tested, start researching asbestos abatement contractors near you. The first question you should ask them is “do you perform the work yourself.” If they do, continue to ask what their means and methods are and what guidelines they follow. If they don’t, ask who they use as a subcontractor and how much they’ll mark your price up.
The Department of Labor has an entire website dedicated to asbestos abatement.
You can research best practices, file complaints, research guidelines, and more. This is information the state provides for you, the homeowner and/or property owner, so you can gain as much information as possible.
Who to Talk to About Asbestos Abatement
Asbestos removal must be handled by trained and licensed professionals to ensure safety and compliance with local and federal regulations. At CRAL Contracting INC., our certified asbestos abatement team adheres to:
· Thorough asbestos inspections and consultations
· Safe removal and disposal following industry standards
· Air quality monitoring and post-removal clearance testing
· Open communication throughout the entire asbestos abatement project
If you have concerns about asbestos in your home or business, reach out to us for a consultation. We are fully licensed and equipped to handle all aspects of asbestos abatement.
What Asbestos Abatement Typically Costs
The cost of asbestos removal varies based on several factors, including:
· The size of the affected area (larger areas require more labor and materials)
· The type and location of asbestos-containing materials
· The complexity of removal and disposal
· Required safety measures and containment procedures
On average, asbestos testing can range from $200 to $800, while full abatement projects can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000+, depending on the extent of contamination.
Protect Your Property & Health with CRAL Contracting INC. – Call us today 315-671-6006 and ask for Nate.
Health Risks Associated With Asbestos
Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to severe health conditions, including:
· Asbestosis – A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, leading to scarring of lung tissue and difficulty breathing.
· Lung Cancer – Long-term exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, especially in those who also smoke.
· Mesothelioma – A rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart and is directly linked to asbestos exposure.
· Other Respiratory Issues – Even minimal exposure over time can lead to chronic coughing, chest pain, and reduced lung function.
When dealing with asbestos, safety comes first. If you suspect asbestos in your home or business, don’t take chances—contact the experts at CRAL Contracting INC. We offer professional asbestos inspection, removal, and disposal services throughout Syracuse and beyond.
Call us today for a consultation and ensure a safe, asbestos-free environment for you and your loved ones.