Key Takeaways
- Asbestos is most dangerous when it is disturbed, which is exactly what removal does. DIY removal can release fibers into your home and lungs.
- Licensed asbestos abatement contractors seal off work areas, shut down HVAC, keep materials wet, use HEPA vacuums and respirators, and dispose of waste at approved facilities.
- In Pennsylvania, anyone you hire to remove asbestos must be certified by the Department of Labor & Industry, even for work in a private home.
- Philadelphia and Allegheny County have their own asbestos rules in addition to state requirements.
- If you suspect asbestos, don’t sample or remove it yourself. Have it tested by a certified inspector.
- If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma after asbestos exposure, call 800-505-6000 for a free case review.
Asbestos is a dangerous mineral that can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other respiratory diseases. Workplaces like auto repair shops, boiler rooms, steel mills, firehouses, paper and plastic manufacturing facilities, schools, and more are known to expose workers to asbestos. Asbestos can be used to make materials fireproof, heatproof, and improve durability. Asbestos removal should be performed by licensed asbestos abatement companies.
When asbestos fibers are released due to agitation, the sharp fibers can be inhaled. Once inside the lungs, these fibers embed themselves into organ lining and can eventually develop into a respiratory complication, such as mesothelioma.
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Since asbestos is dangerous when its fibers are released into the air, it is important to practice safe removal practices when it is discovered. Asbestos abatement companies exist for this very purpose.
What is Asbestos Abatement?
Asbestos abatement is the set process of safely removing asbestos from a contaminated site. These companies follow federal, state, and local requirements. Organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set regulation standards and procedures for safe asbestos removal. Asbestos abatement describes all the activities needed for the safe removal of asbestos. Asbestos abatement companies are specialized companies that perform these activities.
Why is DIY Asbestos Removal a Bad Idea?
Performing your own asbestos removal is incredibly dangerous. Without proper protection or technique, you could be exposing yourself to asbestos and putting yourself at risk for mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and more. There is a reason why asbestos abatement companies exist—it is to protect you from the dangers of breathing in the cancerous fibers. Asbestos abatement companies may have protective gear that the public can not easily have access to. You cannot be absolutely certain that you are completely protected if you are not well-versed in the abatement procedure.
Process of Asbestos Removal
When asbestos needs to be removed, the contaminated site is sealed off with duct tape and sheets of polyethylene film. HVAC must also be turned off to prevent the fibers from being released into other areas. Signs will also be posted around the area, alerting people of the presence of asbestos. Trained professionals will use HEPA vacuums to collect the asbestos dust.
Workers who are performing asbestos abatement wear protective clothing and masks. Asbestos-contaminated materials must be wetted to keep dust from flying during the removal process. Then, workers double bag the asbestos in a 6-millimeter plastic bag. This plastic bag is put into a labeled, leak-proof container.
There are special landfills for asbestos disposal. Licensed hazardous waste companies transport the collected asbestos to these landfills.
If you or a loved one has diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for financial compensation. The experienced team at the Halpern Law Firm has been working with asbestos related cases for over 35 years. We will walk you through every step of the process: from filing a claim to receiving your deserves settlement. We are dedicated to advocating for your fair compensation package. For a free case evaluation, call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form and we will respond right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to remove asbestos myself in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s asbestos certification law applies to contractors and workers, and federal and state air rules generally do not cover single-family homes. That means a homeowner working on their own home may not be legally barred from removing asbestos. However, local rules may still apply, including in Philadelphia and Allegheny County, and disposal rules always apply. Even where it is legal, DIY removal is dangerous and strongly discouraged.
Can I hire a regular contractor to remove asbestos from my home?
No. In Pennsylvania, anyone other than the homeowner who removes friable asbestos from a private residence must be certified by the Department of Labor & Industry. Before hiring, ask for the company’s Pennsylvania asbestos contractor certification and check it against L&I’s list of certified abatement contractors.
How do I know if something in my home contains asbestos?
You can’t tell by looking. Materials commonly tested in older homes include vinyl floor tiles and adhesive, popcorn ceilings, pipe and boiler insulation, joint compound, and siding. A certified asbestos inspector can safely collect samples and send them to an accredited lab.
Should I remove asbestos if I find it?
Not necessarily. Asbestos materials that are intact and undamaged often pose little risk and can be left alone or encapsulated. Removal is usually recommended when materials are damaged, deteriorating, or will be disturbed by a renovation or demolition.
What happens if I disturb asbestos by accident?
Stop work, leave the area, and keep others and pets out. Turn off heating and air conditioning to avoid spreading fibers. Do not sweep or vacuum with a regular vacuum. Contact a certified asbestos professional to assess and clean up the area.
Can a one-time DIY exposure cause mesothelioma?
No amount of asbestos exposure is considered safe, and some mesothelioma cases have been linked to relatively brief exposures, such as home renovation work. Risk generally increases with the amount and duration of exposure. Mesothelioma usually develops decades later, so tell your doctor about any past asbestos exposure.
I was exposed to asbestos during a home renovation years ago and now have mesothelioma. Do I have a claim?
Possibly. People exposed while renovating older homes, especially to asbestos joint compound, flooring, insulation, or other building products, may have claims against the companies that manufactured those products. Many of those manufacturers set up asbestos trust funds. Call The Halpern Law Firm at 800-505-6000 for a free case review.
