The use of asbestos in homes and business properties was limited and controlled after 1972 but many older buildings still contain asbestos insulation. If you happen to find any asbestos in your home then you should contact a qualified contractor to remove it.
Removing asbestos by yourself is a risky proposition. Not only do you risk inhaling particles during the process but you also risk contaminating your whole home. Asbestos particles are extremely small, measured in Microns on the microscopic level and can migrate through air flow, on the bottom of your shoes, when you move items from one room to another and a variety of other ways.
In this HowTo we will examine what you can expect if a contractor must be called to remove asbestos material from your house. Do not perform this task on your own.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber based insulation that was widely used in the first half of the 1900’s for insulating heating equipment in homes and commercial settings. Its use around furnaces and hot water supply lines in many homes is its most dangerous application because over time it will break down and fibers will become airborne. Rarely but sometimes asbestos insulation has been used in other areas of a home for general insulation.
Unfortunately Asbestos as an insulation product was not its only use. Asbestos was also use for its fiber qualities that fiberglass now has replaced. You can find it in floor tiles, cement type shingles, ceiling tiles and a variety of other products.
So many products actually contain asbestos that personally I have wondered if there wasn’t huge piles of it someplace that had to be got rid of and someone just started adding it to everything they could. But in honesty the dangers of asbestos were not known at the time so it was use in many products without concern.
Identifying Asbestos
As we just said asbestos can be found in many places other then around your heating system. For this reason at the time you purchased your home a full inspection should have identified any potential hazards. Your realtor should have advised you of your rights concerning disclosure by the previous owner.
However there are situations where you will come across asbestos and it will be your job to handle the management of its removal.
The first place to look is around your heating system and this includes your furnace, your chimney and any intermediate vent pipes. Hot water baseboard and radiator systems may use it anywhere from the furnace to the heating elements in your rooms.
Asbestos was often applied as a wrap insulation and looks something like a plaster cast used when you break an arm.
You may also find it as a heat shield around your furnace to protect your walls and untreated it looks like a gray fibrous board.
What you Should and Should Not Do
If you see any fibers flaking off and causing dust in these areas call a professional.
Do not disturb the area or try to take a sample.
Do keep activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material that may contain asbestos.
Do take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos material.
Do have removal and major repair done by people trained and qualified in handling asbestos. It is highly recommended that sampling and minor repair also be done by asbestos professionals.
Don’t dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT If you use your vacuum cleaner to clean up dust when you use the vacuum in other areas of your home you will spread it as the vacuum runs even if you remove the bag or clean the canister.
Don’t saw, sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos materials.
Don’t use abrasive pads or brushes on power strippers to strip wax from asbestos flooring. Never use a power stripper on a dry floor.
Don’t sand or try to level asbestos flooring or its backing. When asbestos flooring needs replacing, install new floor covering over it, if possible.
Don’t track material that could contain asbestos through the house. If you cannot avoid walking through the area, have it cleaned with a wet mop. If the material is from a damaged area, or if a large area must be cleaned, call an asbestos professional.
The Removal Process
Insist that the contractor use the proper equipment to do the job. The workers must wear approved respirators, gloves, and other protective clothing.
Before work begins, get a written contract specifying the work plan, cleanup, and the applicable federal, state, and local regulations which the contractor must follow
Assure that the contractor avoids spreading or tracking asbestos dust into other areas of your home. They should seal the work area from the rest of the house using plastic sheeting and duct tape, and also turn off the heating and air conditioning system. For some repairs, such as pipe insulation removal, plastic glove bags may be adequate. They must be sealed with tape and properly disposed of when the job is complete.
Make sure the contractor does not break removed material into small pieces. This could release asbestos fibers into the air. Pipe insulation may require the removal and replacement of the pipe.
Upon completion, assure that the contractor cleans the area well with wet mops, wet rags, sponges, or HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) vacuum cleaners. A regular vacuum cleaner must never be used. Wetting helps reduce the chance of spreading asbestos fibers in the air.
More information
You can contact the EPA at their website or by phone for more information and to find out if your contractor is certified.