Removal / Abatement
Asbestos Removal - Abatement
Deciding to remove asbestos from your home or workplace is not as straightforward as it may sound. Asbestos only causes respiratory problems when it is airborne, therefore it is sometimes safer to leave asbestos in place, rather than dislodging it and releasing asbestos fibers into the air. All material in this section is for general information only and not intended to be a comprehensive how-to guide. Further requirements may be mandated by state; contact your state department of health or environmental protection agency for full details.
Making the Decision
Some things to consider when making the decision to eradicate asbestos:
Is the asbestos in a well-sealed or out-of-the-way area?
If so, it may not be as crucial to remove.
Is the asbestos or asbestos-containing material in good condition?
Only disrupted fibers are released into the air. If the asbestos-containing product is intact, its threat is not as large.
How much asbestos is present?
Smaller amounts of asbestos present lower risks.
How long do you plan to stay in the building where the asbestos is located?
Most cases of asbestos-related lung injury occur after prolonged periods of exposure.
Steps To Begin
The first step is deciding whether to hire a licensed asbestos removal service or to remove the asbestos yourself. Most health agencies strongly recommend that people hire professional contractors for the job. If you choose to hire a service, make sure that they are licensed to remove asbestos-containing materials. If you choose to do it yourself, there are several precautionary steps that should be taken.
Protective Gear
By far the most important piece of protective gear is adequate respiration and ventilation systems. Double-canister HEPA filter masks are recommended. Disposable coveralls can also mitigate exposure to asbestos fibers. Similarly, gloves and boots will help protect you from exposure.
Safety Precautions
Wetting the asbestos-containing product may reduce dust formation once removal is underway. Removing the asbestos in large chunks may reduce the number of fibers that become airborne. Work in a well-ventilated area, if possible.
Tools and Supplies
Hand tools are recommended as they produce less dust than power tools. A disposable drop cloth is also recommended to facilitate cleanup. Finally, a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter will help to remove any remaining asbestos fibers.
Licenses Needed
Certain states require a license or asbestos abatement notification forms in order to remove asbestos. Check with your state’s department of health or environmental protection agency to learn more about the process.
Liability Information
If you are removing asbestos yourself, it is important to realize that if you expose others to asbestos in the process you may be held liable for the consequences of that exposure. This issue alone may make hiring a licensed asbestos removal company worthwhile.
Asbestos Containment
Asbestos containment is a means of lowering the risk of dispersing airborne asbestos fibers by creating a seal around the asbestos-containing product or around a work area during asbestos removal.
Building a Containment Area
Keeping in mind that asbestos poses the greatest risk when airborne, your containment area should be as airtight as possible. Thick plastic can be taped over window and door openings to keep the asbestos removal area contained. Any ventilation ducts that may lead to other areas of the building should be shut down and sealed. All objects should be removed from the room where the work is being done.
Asbestos Disposal
Asbestos must be disposed of in sealed plastic bags, usually double-bagged, to prevent dispersal of dust.
Asbestos Packaging
Bags of asbestos-containing materials must be clearly labeled as such, and in some locations must also include its site of origin and a warning with the hazards of asbestos.
Asbestos Transportation
Asbestos rubble is transported in sealed trucks to specialized landfills where it is buried immediately.
Asbestos Decontamination
Following asbestos removal, a decontamination process is recommended to eradicate any asbestos dust that may have been released. Work surfaces should be wiped down with wet disposable rags. Any drop cloths should be rolled up carefully to prevent spilling asbestos-containing materials that may have accumulated on them. Every surface must be thoroughly cleaned to ensure that any traces of asbestos have been removed. All drop cloths and rags used in the decontamination process should be disposed of in the same manner as the asbestos-containing material.
Turi McNamee, M.D.
