If you have (or suspect that you have) asbestos-containing materials in your home and you want to remove them, you have the choice of dealing with the asbestos yourself or paying a certified asbestos abatement contractor to do part or all of the asbestos removal.

By Professionals or on Your Own

The decision depends in part on the condition of the asbestos, the amount of it, and the difficulty of removing it. If the asbestos removal job is minor, such as dealing with small tears in asbestos-containing plumbing insulation, you may want to do it yourself, following a few rudimentary asbestos removal requirements. However, many asbestos removal contractors are willing to provide you with a free assessment of the removal job, and to give homeowners some guidance.

Some Asbestos Removal Requirements

The following asbestos removal requirements are somewhat simplified so please keep in mind that asbestos removal is a very serious and potentially dangerous activity:

• Enclosure of the Asbestos Removal Area ─ The area where the asbestos removal is being performed should be enclosed to keep the potential asbestos dust or fibers from contaminating any more of the home. Plastic bags or plastic sheets and duct tape are often used. Care should be taken to seal off all ventilation ducts and vents.

• Protective Equipment ─ An important asbestos removal requirement is protective equipment. Anyone working on asbestos removal should use the proper equipment: a respirator and protective clothing.

• Keeping the Asbestos Wet ─ Any asbestos-containing material should be kept wet while it's being removed, in order to minimize the chances of asbestos fibers being released into the air.

• Proper Disposal of the Asbestos ─ Sealed bags containing the asbestos materials must be disposed of in accord with local requirements and regulations.

• Air Sampling ─ To make sure that the air quality is good after the asbestos removal is performed, thorough air sampling should be performed.

Learn More about Asbestos Removal Requirements

The asbestos removal requirements for public buildings are much more stringent and detailed than those given above. If you have further questions or concerns about asbestos removal requirements in your home or in other buildings, please feel free to contact us for help.