If you suspect that you have materials with asbestos in your home or business, you may be considering asbestos removal. This becomes especially important before you start any renovation or demolition projects that could release dangerous asbestos fibers into the air. While asbestos was used widely in building materials between 1920 and 1989, we now know that it can cause dangerous health conditions, even cancer.
The first step in asbestos removal is to have your property inspected by a qualified professional. It might surprise you to know that asbestos can be in a wide variety of materials, including gas heaters, pipes, wiring, and more. It is more commonly found in flooring, walls, insulation, and ceiling materials.
Here are the things you should know about your asbestos removal:
- Before: If you suspect asbestos, leave the area alone until testing can be completed. Keep children away from the area, as well. Avoid dusting, sweeping, or vacuuming. Do not drill holes, saw, sand or scrape around suspected asbestos, as these activities can cause fibers to become airborne.
- During: Once testing has confirmed the presence of asbestos, your licensed contractor will follow a careful protocol to remove it. Other areas of your home should be sealed off. The proper equipment for removal should be used, and protective personal gear will be used to protect the workers.
- After: Once the removal is completed, air monitoring is a good idea to make sure all airborne particles have been removed.
Asbestos removal should never be attempted as a do-it-yourself project. Contact a trusted professional to complete the job.