The dangers of handling asbestos yourself is not only dangerous but can become a health hazard. Removing mold and pesticides yourself could be a do it yourself but we never recommend it and that is the same as asbestos. Removing asbestos yourself is not a do it yourself project. Improper handling of asbestos containing materials can lead to expensive clean ups. To ensure that you and everyone else who lives in an environment that may have asbestos are not exposed to asbestos we recommend hiring a professional, an asbestos abatement contractor. An asbestos license contractor will inform you of all the procedures that are done when removing the asbestos. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has a list of the procedures that a asbestos removal company should follow:

  • Avoids spreading or tracking asbestos dust into other areas of your home.
  • Disposes of all materials, disposable equipment and clothing used in the job in sealed, leak-proof, and labeled heavy-duty plastic bags. The work site should be visually free of dust and debris.
  • Upon completion, clean the entire area thoroughly with wet mops, wet rags, sponges, or HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum cleaners. A regular vacuum cleaner should never be used.
  • Does not break removed material into small pieces. This could release asbestos fibers into the air.
  • Applies a wetting agent to the asbestos material with a hand sprayer that creates a fine mist before removal. Wet fibers do not float in the air as easily as dry fibers and will be easier to clean up.
  • Ensures the work site is clearly marked as a hazard area. Do not allow household members and pets into the area until work is completed.
  • Seals the work area from the rest of the house using plastic sheeting and duct tape, and turns off the heating and air conditioning system. For some repairs, such as pipe insulation removal, plastic glove bags may be adequate. They must be sealed with tape and properly disposed of when the job is complete.

Choosing an asbestos abatement company will know how to handle the asbestos removal process and will follow strict procedures to maintain any asbestos fibers from entering an environment. These are the procedures that an asbestos abatement contractor should follow and it may vary depending on the project. Alliance Environmental Group, Inc environmental division specializes in asbestos abatement. If you think your home or building contains asbestos, it is important to seek professional assistance. Alliance Environmental is a licensed asbestos removal company with extensive experience in properly containing the asbestos, complete decontamination of the site, and lawful disposal of the contaminated materials.