- Asbestos fibers, when disturbed, can become airborne and pose serious health risks.
- There are strict regulations regarding the removal, containment, and disposal of asbestos particles.
- Professional abatement services can eliminate risk and comply with safety and health protocols.
Many do-it-yourselfers are renovating their own homes, rental properties, or flips. It can involve a lot of work, some basic skills, and an eye for design. But how many of the home renovators have expertise in removing asbestos? If you have found or suspect asbestos during a renovation, you may be asking, “Can I remove asbestos myself?” Asbestos, a material commonly used in construction, has been found to pose significant health risks when its fibers become airborne. Though no longer used in new construction, it can be found in older homes and buildings. The removal of asbestos, if not done properly, can lead to health issues, contamination, and hefty fines. Removing asbestos yourself may seem more cost-effective, but to manage the risks, special permits and regulated containment and disposal measures must be in place. Professional asbestos removal is safer, quicker, and poses less risk.
Why DIY Asbestos Removal Is So Risky
Asbestos exposure can lead to many serious health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Identifying asbestos by sight can be difficult, making removal a complex procedure. The microscopic fibers become invisible and airborne when disturbed, posing a dangerous threat even with minimal exposure. A small room renovation can easily spread and contaminate larger areas, increasing the risk.
According to OSHA, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Proper abatement is not just a recommendation but a regulatory requirement under the Clean Air Act’s Asbestos National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), which mandates specific procedures for the handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials to prevent fiber release.
Asbestos removal requires equipment specifically designed to safely remove asbestos particles while adhering to strict safety protocols. Since asbestos cannot be disposed of like regular waste, special procedures must be followed to prevent contamination.
The Problem With Consumer Tools and Shop Vacs
Special equipment and supplies are required for the removal and containment of asbestos. Using equipment designed for home use, such as standard vacuum cleaners, masks, plastic sheeting, and over-the-counter cleaning supplies, is not sufficient and can actually cause more harm by pushing fibers into the air. The goal of removing asbestos is to suppress fiber release and adequately contain it to prevent exposure. Equipment and tools designed for everyday use are insufficient to remove and contain fibers, often leading to cross-contamination and unsafe exposure.
How Professional Asbestos Abatement Protects the Home
Professional asbestos removal is provided by licensed abatement contractors with PPE designed to protect them from disturbed, airborne fibers. This includes protective full-body suits, gloves, and footwear, as well as air-purifying respirators with HEPA filters. Professional HEPA vacuums are essential to capture fibers that are invisible to the naked eye. Professional asbestos abatement works by sealing off the affected area and using equipment such as negative air machines and HEPA vacuums to capture and contain fibers. The specialized equipment, compliance, and safe removal techniques protect both your home and your family.
Legal Disposal and Documentation Matter
Asbestos waste cannot be bagged and set out for normal trash pickup. It must be identified and labeled with its contents and securely packaged in double bags made from leak-proof plastic. The waste must then be transported to an approved hazardous waste facility that is licensed to accept asbestos. Improper disposal is illegal and can cause contamination and pose serious health risks.
Professional disposal also leaves a paper trail, giving homeowners a record of abatement and disposal procedures and helping them avoid questions or problems later.
When to Call a Professional
If you are getting ready to embark on a home renovation for an older home or building, consider having testing done by a professional abatement company before construction begins. Testing is inexpensive and can be done without disturbing fibers and causing immediate health concerns. At Breathe Easy Environmental, our goal is to put your safety ahead of our bottom line. Our professionals work to keep you safe at a cost that works within your budget. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
Image credit: robert coolen | Shutterstock
