Asbestos
Technology
Snapshot & Benefits:
Asbestos is a small mineral fiber that was commonly used to strengthen materials
and make them fire retardant. If asbestos fibers become airborne, they can be
inhaled and settle into the lungs, creating respiratory problems. It is
important to recognize the areas in your home where asbestos may be found and
have any damaged or disturbed materials professionally treated. Common products
that may contain asbestos include insulation, shingles, flooring, and car parts
such as brake pads and gaskets. The EPA and CPSC (Consumer Product Safety
Commission) passed a ban in the last few decades prohibiting use in certain
household products and requiring a label be put on any products that do contain
asbestos. Because of this, the prevalence of the harmful material in homes has
been greatly reduced. Visit the EPA's page on
Asbestos in the
Home
for a list of where asbestos can be found and when it can be a problem.
Estimated
Cost Savings:
Asbestos removal is usually a relatively expensive process, depending on the
contractor�s rates. It is estimated that complete removal from a 2000 square
foot home can cost anywhere from $2000 to $4000 (Asbestos Removal
Cost).
Some contractors charge as little as a few hundred dollars depending on the size
of the space, but some ask for significantly more depending on their minimum
charge rate. Get bids from multiple contractors to help find the most
affordable option available. For more information, check out this article
titled
How Much Does Asbestos
Removal Cost?.
Asbestos removal has no direct cost benefits, but eliminating damaged asbestos
materials can drastically improve your indoor air quality and prevent costly
medical procedures in the future.
Issues:
Asbestos is incredibly dangerous and, if damaged or handled improperly, can have
major repercussions on your health. The asbestos fibers are easily inhaled and
can settle in your lungs, causing respiratory problems that can lead to major
diseases including
lung cancer,
asbestosis,
and
mesothelioma.
Typically, these negative effects do not show up for 20 or 30 years after in
initial exposure, making corrective medical procedures difficult and expensive
due to the longevity of the asbestos fibers presence in the lungs.
Installation
(Getting It Done):
It is impossible to tell if a material contains asbestos unless it is clearly
labeled or tested by a professional using a microscope. If you suspect that a
material contains asbestos, treat it as if it does. If it is still in good
condition and is in an area that is rarely or never disturbed, it is best to
leave it alone. Inspect it periodically to check for damage, but typically
materials in good condition do not release asbestos fibers. If a material
appears damaged, hire a professional with documented asbestos training to remove
it properly. It is not recommended that you attempt to remove it yourself
because improper handling can worsen exposure and have negative effects on your
health. Ask your removal expert about safety procedures and precautions before
they start the job so you know how to keep your family safe. Mark work areas as
hazardous to help give others warning. Whenever someone is working with damaged
asbestos materials in or around your home, be sure it is wetted down first to
prevent the fibers from floating into the air. Always use wet cleaning
materials to clean up after removal as these will prevent the fibers from become
airborne. Never dust, sweep, or vacuum around asbestos because this will just
increase the amount of fibers circulating in the air. Make sure any removed
material is put into sealed bags and disposed of properly.
There are two ways to temporarily block asbestos without removing it. Sealing
the material by either binding the fibers together or covering it with a sealant
helps keep the fibers out of the air. It can also be covered with a blanket or
wrap to help prevent the asbestos from being released. Again, consult a
professional when handling asbestos. It is not recommended that you try even
these simple fixes on your own.
To help minimize damage to asbestos-containing materials, keep activity around
them to a minimum. Take extra precautions to avoid damaging them in any way.
Do not drill, saw, sand, or scrape any materials that may contain asbestos as
this will launch a good deal of fibers directly into the air.
For information
from the EPA on asbestos professionals and what to look for when hiring a
contractor,
click here.
Videos on
This Topic:
Home Inspection for Asbestos
(1:24) - Expert Real Estate Tips - Expert Jamie Dunsing demonstrates how to
inspect your home for asbestos in this short video.
Asbestos
(2:16) - Work Safe BC - This short video explains where asbestos is found and
how the fibers can damage your lungs and drastically reduce your respiratory
health.
Overview of
Asbestos Removal Procedures
(2:13) - EPA - This video from a 1999 series put out by the EPA explains the
safety procedure, precautions, and steps taken during asbestos removal in homes
and buildings.
More
Information On This Topic:
National Safety Council - Asbestos
EPA - Asbestos in Your Home
EPA - Asbestos Health Effects
EPA - Asbestos Basic Information