How to Clean Asbestos Safely

The safe removal of asbestos is a vital task that requires careful attention to avoid exposing individuals to its harmful fibers. While asbestos was once a popular building material, regulations enacted from the 1970s through the 1990s limited its use. Today, safety precautions and guidelines exist for the safe-handling of asbestos, and it’s highly recommended that homeowners enlist the help of an asbestos removal company that knows how to clean asbestos safely. However, as homeowners wait for proper asbestos removal, safe steps can be taken to prevent the spread of asbestos.

Why Do I Have Asbestos in My Home?

Throughout much of the 20th century, asbestos was widely used in construction and building materials due to its durability and resistance to fire. Often the material was used in floor tiles, roofing materials, insulation, and textured paints. During the 1980s, its use in new construction was on the decline when the dangers of asbestos were uncovered. When asbestos-containing materials become damaged or are disturbed, microscopic fibers are released into the air, and inhaling this material can cause severe health hazards. Many homeowners may not be aware of the presence of asbestos in their homes unless they have conducted an inspection or renovation with asbestos awareness. 

How Much Does it Cost to Clean Asbestos?

Removing asbestos from homes can largely depend on the severity of the project. Factors affecting project cost include the size of the area, the extent of the material used, and its location. The average asbestos removal cost will range between $1,192 and $3,241.

How To Identify Asbestos

Professional assistance is necessary for identifying asbestos in the home, as its fibers are too small to be visible to the naked eye. If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home, consulting a licensed inspector or abatement professional should be your first step. These pros  can carry out a comprehensive assessment through visual inspection, sample collection, and laboratory testing. While materials, such as insulation and roofing shingles are common sources of asbestos, their presence can vary greatly.

DIY testing kits exist, but they are not always dependable and can lead to fiber release if not handled correctly. Given the risks associated with asbestos exposure, it's advisable to trust trained professionals for safe and precise identification of asbestos in your home.

How To Clean Asbestos

You should only entrust the cleaning of asbestos to a licensed and experienced asbestos abatement professional. If asbestos-containing materials are found to be damaged or deteriorating, containment and professional removal can prevent the release of hazardous asbestos fibers into the air. Attempting to DIY asbestos cleaning is not recommended.

If you think you have asbestos in your home, there are a few steps you can take to help stop the spread of asbestos while you wait for a professional to inspect and remove it.

Wear Personal Protective Equipment

If you need to enter an area where asbestos is present, you should wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes safety glasses, gloves, and disposable coveralls. A face mask can be worn, but a respirator would be best to prevent the inhalation of asbestos particles.  

Consult a Professional

The best course of action to rid asbestos from your home is to hire an asbestos abatement professional.

Seal Off the Area

If you can contain the area where asbestos is present, you can prevent its spread into other areas of your home. Seal off the area–where possible–to prevent the fibers from spreading into the air, and to other rooms.

Avoid Disturbing the Materials

Stay a safe distance from any material that may contain asbestos. This includes directly touching or fanning the area, as this can cause the fibers to release into the air and room, and cause potential harm to you and others. 

Don't Attempt to Sweep or Vacuum

While it may be tempting to clean the asbestos using a broom or vacuum–DON’T! Leave it undisturbed, and let the professional handle it when they arrive. Attempting to clean asbestos could break up the fibers, and release them into your home. 

Consider Wet Cleaning

If you are unable to seal off the area, and want to prevent the spread of fibers, you can wet clean the area. While wearing PPE, wet clean the surface with a damp rag or cloth to minimize the release of fibers. Once complete, place the rag or cloth in an airtight bag, and consult your asbestos abatement professional for proper disposal.

Tips for Dealing with Asbestos

Your top priority when handling asbestos is safety. A professional can assist you with the proper assessment and removal of asbestos, and ensure that the recommended safety guidelines and regulations are followed.

Here are some tips you and your loved ones can practice while you wait for asbestos removal:

• Wear PPE: If you do need to be in the area where the outbreak is present, always wear PPE to stay safe.

• Perform Regular Monitoring: Frequently monitor materials that contain asbestos to detect any signs of damage or deterioration. Should any issues arise, prompt action must be taken to prevent the release of harmful fibers.

• Educate Household Members: Everyone living in the house should be informed about the possible existence of asbestos and understand the significance of disturbing it. Keep an adequate amount of PPE for everyone in case it's needed.

• Maintain Good Ventilation: To minimize the concentration of airborne asbestos fibers, maintain adequate ventilation in the home.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Homeowners should never take the risk of attempting to clean asbestos themselves, and should enlist the services of a professional for any asbestos-related task. Asbestos removal is a complex process that poses significant health risks if not carried out with the necessary expertise and caution. Even the slightest disturbance of asbestos-containing materials can release microscopic fibers into the air, which, when inhaled, can lead to serious respiratory issues, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

To ensure maximum safety, licensed asbestos abatement professionals are equipped with the proper knowledge, training, and tools to properly assess, contain, and eliminate asbestos. Unfortunately, DIY attempts lack the essential safety protocols and may unintentionally release asbestos fibers, which can worsen the situation and put your and your family’s health at greater risk.