I’ve learned about the dangers of asbestos exposure. Should I have the asbestos removed from my home?
30 Aug 2011
I have small children and recently learned that there is probably asbestos in the ceilings of our family home. I’m worried about the health implications for my kids after spending years in this house.
First, "learned that there is probably asbestos" is not good enough. You have it tested and know that it is asbestos or not. Most homes do NOT have it. Have it tested and then if it is positive, get three quotes from licensed removal companies to see if it is affordable and have professionals look at it to see the condition of the material.
4 Responses
James
2011 Aug 30 1It’s probably best to leave it undisturbed. Removing it will be extremely expensive, and releases it into the air. Leave it alone, and it’s probably never going to be in contact with you.
References :
Mark Tylor
2011 Aug 30 2Probably not. Asbestos should be removed only if absolutely necessary, since disturbing the asbestos-containing materials is what releases the cancer-causing fibers into the air. Asbestos that is in good condition should be left alone because it is not likely to release fibers. If you have asbestos in poor condition, hire a certified asbestos contractor to complete the removal or repair. Until the work is completed and thoroughly cleaned up, keep the children out of the house to minimize any possible exposure.
References :
http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/asbestos/asbestos-removal/
badhabyt
2011 Aug 30 3First, "learned that there is probably asbestos" is not good enough. You have it tested and know that it is asbestos or not. Most homes do NOT have it. Have it tested and then if it is positive, get three quotes from licensed removal companies to see if it is affordable and have professionals look at it to see the condition of the material.
References :
Muhammad Bahroni
2011 Aug 30 4For you to have a clear view on removing asbestos here are some guidelines you need to remember.
1. Preparation
Part of the preparation for the removal of asbestos containing materials is by complying with the Asbestos Removal Code. Specifying the limits required in the removal procedure is very important. You need to keep the place secure by putting up signs and barriers in the area so that no one can enter the premise. After which, electrical, lighting installations and furniture must be removed. The ventilation and air conditioning must be sealed off to prevent asbestos from entering the ventilation ducts. In case you need to have lighting in the area, you should use portable work lights which are wired and grounded to an outside circuit for safety measures. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should as well be accessible. Total protective wear, head covers, masking,over boots, gloves and respiratory protective gear such as a gas mask with dual cartridges and HEPA filters are needed. To prevent asbestos from being airborne, tools needed for the removal may include a 2-3 gallon tank sprayer, liquid detergent, putty knives, step ladders, plastic sheeting, asbestos waste disposal bags, duct tape, sealant. To contain the work area, plastic sheeting must be used on the walls and floors and seal everything off with a duct tape.
2. Asbestos Removal Procedure
After preparing the work site and the materials needed, you need to carefully wet the asbestos containing material with “amended” water, which is water mixed with liquid detergent. Don’t ever blow up the contaminated area with water. This is crucial to maintain the fibers undamaged so to forbid them from being breathed in. You may begin scraping off the asbestos bearing material cautiously when your finished soaking it. Never break them into pieces for they may still contain fibers which you could ingest. You need to carefully scrape all of the material and leave it intact. The material should still be soaked in water when this process is done. Otherwise, it is time for you to stop working and call in an expert to finish the job. You need to scrape off the walls or flooring first before sealing the area with paint.
3. Disposal of Asbestos Containing Materials
After scraping off the material, you need to place it in special disposal bags including your disposable coveralls. These should be double bagged and double wrapped. Specific bin is compulsory in putting away asbestos because it is unlawful to place asbestos waste and combine it with domestic garbage bins. Appropriate classification and the contents of the waste material is needed for each bag for security purposes. Asbestos waste must be disposed in designated landfills assigned by your local council so it is important to set an appointment with them on when you can have your asbestos containing material disposed. If you need to hire a company to dispose of your asbestos waste, never forget to keep a copy of the receipts as the council may seek these documents to ensure the proper disposal of the asbestos waste.
References :
http://mesotheliomacancersymptoms.usahaminimarket.com/2011/08/20/what-is-mesothelioma/steps-in-asbestos-removal-procedures/
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