subject: Removal Of Asbestos Should Be Left To Professionals [print this page] Removal of asbestos should only be attempted by a professional. Individual consumers risk inhalation of cancer-causing fibers if they attempt to do the work on their own.
If a consumer bought all of the equipment necessary for the safe removal of asbestos-containing materials, they would spend far more than they would have to pay a professional service to do the job.
Asbestos disposal is another issue. If a consumer were to remove asbestos-containing materials, disposing of the material would be difficult. The materials are considered hazardous and must be disposed of correctly. A consumer could incur expensive fines for disposing of the items improperly.
Understanding all of that, it is helpful for consumers to understand the process. The first step is usually a thorough inspection of the building.
Flocking used for insulation is one of the most common areas of concern in private homes. While the illness causing particles are not usually released from many items, the flocking allows the fibers to gradually drop off and contaminate the indoor air.
Flocking was also used in exposed ceilings as recently as 1986. The ceilings were called popcorn or cottage cheese ceilings. They were used to enhance acoustics or simply for decorative purposes.
Spray on paints and plasters were used indoors and out to decorate walls and ceilings. The textured look was popular and poses the greatest risk for homeowners as the raised portions of the plaster can rub off and the hazardous fibers can be released into the air.
Whenever the fibers in a building material can easily become hazardous airborne dust, the material is known as friable. The popcorn ceilings for example are considered extremely friable.
On the other hand, there are many materials that are not friable. Bricks and fireproof ceramic tiles are examples. Only a catastrophe could cause the particles to be released into the air.
Asbestos disposal is mainly a problem when the materials are friable. Some materials only become friable with age. The sheeting sometimes used for insulation is an example. Only as it ages do the fibers become loose and friable.
Pipes and ductwork should be inspected for asbestos-containing coatings. The pipes and ductwork need not be replaced if they are functioning properly. But the coatings should be covered with a protective material to prevent them from becoming friable with age.
Once the inspection is complete, it is possible to plan for containment or removal of asbestos. Only an experienced professional can determine the best course of action.
