How to Remove Asbestos

This mineral was termed by Greeks as miracle mineral, because it could withstand heat and is soft and can be easily molded. Yes, I am talking about asbestos, the silicate material which has fibrous and thin crystals. Since the uses of asbestos were identified, irrespective of being toxic, it has been widely used in building and construction. Even though that toxicity is limited to a few particular fibers, its overall environmental and health hazards are not unknown to many. The asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer and asbestosis. So its better to get rid of asbestos from your roof, and if possible avoid having asbestos floor tile at home. Now you must be thinking as to how to remove asbestos? So here is the answer to asbestos removal.

How to Remove Asbestos?

• Inspection of the areas, where there is asbestos is important before you go about asbestos removal. So check if the asbestos is crumbling or flaking. If its in a good shape, to avoid its ill effects, it can be covered with a coating. But this will make it difficult to remove it later.
• The very first thing to remember while removing asbestos is that it is not very moisture friendly. Although the asbestos fibers do not dissolve in water, the water sticks to the fibers, ensuring that they quickly settle on the floor.
• After this, you can either call up a certified asbestos abatement contractor. But before carrying out the asbestos removal, make sure that asbestos is thoroughly soaked in water. Use a low-pressure sprayer to wet the concerned asbestos surface.
• Have someone help you, if you are doing it yourself.
• Do not ever remove dry asbestos. If you feel that, wetting the asbestos is not working, call a professional, as mentioned earlier. Cove all the floors and walls, and tap them with plastic sheet to contain all the material.
• Post cleaning, or rather after removing asbestos, get rid of the waste by packing it in duct tape which is plastic sealed. For reduction of dust, do not forget to eliminate the largest pieces.

Things to Remember for How to Remove Asbestos

• First thing first, get everyone, to clear that area (including your pets) and after that, make sure that would not be in the vicinity until you dispose off the debris. This will avoid asbestos exposure to people nearby. Read more on asbestos exposure limits and symptoms of asbestos exposure.
• Put warning signs and remove the furniture, and disconnect and keep the electric appliances away.
• Use a polyethylene film and fasten with a strong adhesive tape those things which cannot be moved.
• If the work is inside your home, close the windows and doors and seal using strong adhesive tape.
• An extremely crucial thing is to wear the disposable overalls, gloves and rubber boots to keep dust off yourself and to protect yourself from the harmful effects of asbestos.
• In addition to the appropriate gear, wear the appropriate respiratory mask, till you finally get rid of asbestos.
• Do not use a high pressure jet to remove the dust.
• Another very important thing is to avoid eating, drinking or smoking during your work with asbestos.
• After you are done, for disposing off the waste, ordinary garbage bags are a complete no no. So it's safe to use 'specially for asbestos' heavy duty polyethylene bags. Moreover, mark the bags for identification.
• Finally, take care that you do not keep the removed asbestos sheets in places where they could easily break or get crush.

The answer to how to remove asbestos seems simple, but actually doing it involves a lot of patience and safety precautions. If you are confident about asbestos removal on your own, then its fine, but if you are not, best way is to call for an asbestos removal consultant. It should not happen that the job has been shabbily done and the asbestos fibers are all over the place.

Ultimately, its the matter of your health and environmental pollution. So take care. I end my asbestos chapter here!