Our Solution: Comprehensive Asbestos Abatement

After third-party samples and laboratory results confirmed the presence of asbestos-containing floor tile, joint compound and associated drywall, our team developed a scope of work to safely and effectively abate the ACMs.

Step 1: Immediate Response and Site Assessment

When disaster strikes, timing is everything. Our team mobilizes quickly to secure the property, assess potential hazards, and determine the scope of work. During this stage, we:

Identify structural and safety risks.

Pinpoint affected building materials.

Evaluate environmental concerns like mold, asbestos, or chemical residue.

Develop a customized restoration plan prioritizing health, safety, and structural stability.

This is where the roadmap begins, ensuring the project is not just reactive but strategic. In this Case Study, because of the presence of asbestos-containing joint compound on all walls and ceilings, as well as asbestos-containing floor tile, an immediate demo was not necessary. 

Asbestos-Containing Floor tile was found in both bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom. Asbestos-containing joint compound was found throughout the apartment.

Step 2: Containment and Safety Setup

Every restoration project begins with containment and safety protocols. Whether handling Category 3 black water, asbestos abatement, or fire damage cleanup, our team ensures contaminants stay contained. We do this by:

• Sealing off impacted zones with industry-grade barriers.
  Setting up negative air pressure and HEPA filtration.
• Shutting down HVAC systems to prevent cross-contamination.
  
  

At EAS Environmental, your safety—and that of our crew—always comes first. Since an extremely large amount of ACMs were identified on this project, EASE followed the regulated containment procedures outlined in SC Regulation 61.86.1 for NESHAP Projects. NESHAP stands for National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, and this level of regulation applies for projects that have greater than 160 square feet of ACMs. This requires a decontamination enclosure system adjoining the contained work area. This consists of a clean room equipped with appropriate storage containers and adequate space for changing clothing; an air lock; a shower room containing hot and cold or warm running water controllable at the tap; and an equipment room suitable for storage of tools and equipment. After the containment is set up, equipment can be loaded in.

Step 3: Demolition and Removal of Damaged Materials

Next, our team follows strict regulatory disposal standards. Any salvageable belongings are packed, cleaned, and stored safely for return. We then carefully remove unsalvageable building materials. Depending on the project, this may include:

• Drywall, flooring, insulation, and ceilings.
• Fire- and water-damaged contents.
• Materials compromised by mold or hazardous substances.
  
  

For this particular case, everything was deemed non-salvageable, so once the proper containment barriers and decontamination enclosure systems were put into place, our team got to work. First, we removed all the non-asbestos-containing materials; this includes cabinets, sinks, shower/tub, contents, etc. Second, we start the abatement of ACMs. The drywall and associated building materials were abated first, and then the floor tile.

Step 4: Cleaning and Environmental Remediation

With the damaged materials removed, we transition to deep cleaning and environmental remediation. This includes:

• Asbestos and hazardous material abatement following EPA and OSHA standards.
• Mold remediation using HEPA vacuums, antimicrobial treatments, and specialized containment.
• Fire damage restoration with soot cleaning, smoke odor removal, and surface sanitization.
• Water damage restoration with drying and dehumidification.
  
  

Since this specific project consisted of both fire damage mitigation and asbestos abatement, the cleanup consisted of more than just abatement level cleaning. For asbestos abatements, every surface is HEPA vacuumed, wiped down with a disinfectant, and HEPA vacuumed again. We then fogged the whole apartment with a safe, odor-neutralizing mist, and set up Hydroxyl generators to break down and eliminate odor-causing molecules.

Step 5: Final Air Clearance and Close-Out

The final stage is about verification and peace of mind. An independent air quality professional performs clearance testing to confirm the property is safe for re-entry. After approval, we:

• Dismantle containment barriers.
• Conduct one final cleaning and sanitization.
  Return the property to you—safe, clean, and ready for rebuild.

This step ensures your property is not only restored but also certified safe for occupants. Once air clearances pass, containment can be broken down. After containment was broken down, EASE applied shellac on all studs, sheathing, open cavities, and exposed framing, which provided a permanent barrier against the lingering smoke odor.

Why Choose EAS Environmental?

From emergency response to final clearance, EAS Environmental is your trusted partner for disaster restoration. We specialize in:

• Water damage restoration
• Fire and smoke odor damage cleanup
• Mold remediation
• Asbestos abatement and hazardous material removal
  
  

With certified technicians, industry-standard protocols, and a commitment to integrity, we don’t just restore properties—we restore confidence and peace of mind!

Call us at   843-977-3273   Or visit  easenvironmental.com   to schedule a consultation.