How Do I Test and Remove Asbestos?
For more than a century, asbestos has been a popular material in the construction industry. This naturally occurring fibrous material became famous for its high heat resistance and durability. You can find it in various construction products, including flooring, popcorn ceilings, insulation, concrete, ductwork, etc. The problem with asbestos is that when disturbed, it can turn into dangerous abrasive dust that can cause lung cancers and other serious health issues.
Hence, it is crucial to identify, test, and
asbestos clean up from your house before any construction project.
How do you identify asbestos in your home?
There is no way to identify asbestos in your house with naked eyes. However, if you suspect asbestos in some parts of your home, look for tears, abrasions, and water damage. If you see these signs, it is best to call professionals to remove them.
For a DIY approach, take these steps:
- Don’t scrub the area under any circumstances to collect samples or clean the area.
- Wear protective gear with a mask, gloves, and coveralls before you approach the site to collect samples.
- Cover the area with a plastic sheet to prevent the asbestos particles from spreading into the air.
- Collect the sample by chiseling the area with a utility knife. The sample size should be at least 5 to 100 grams.
- Carefully collect the sample in a ziplock bag.
- After collecting the sample, spray the loosened sample area with water to settle any dust.
- Remove and dispose of your protective gear once you have collected the samples.
Where do I get the sample tested for asbestos?
It is essential to get your samples tested by a reliable lab agency to know whether asbestos is in your property. The best way to find a reliable lab is to check with the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program for a list of EPA-certified asbestos-testing labs in your area. Once you find the lab, you can send the samples for testing by following the instructions given by the lab.
Once you deposit the samples, you can get the results within 2 to 5 days.
How to remove asbestos from your home?
If your sample lab results confirm that your home has asbestos, the next step is to take measures to remove it. It is illegal to remove asbestos yourself in most states of the United States. Therefore, it is best to contact an asbestos removal contractor for the job. They are certified professionals who have the adequate training, tools, and experience to remove any trace of the material from your home, causing no harm to anyone.
You can reach out to
Environmental 911 to help you get rid of asbestos in your home. The contractors can suggest various removal and repair methods that are environmentally safe and legal.
About Us
Disasters can damage your house and property without warning. In such situations, Environmental 911 is there to help restore your property to its previous state. Founded in 1999, we have been helping residents of California restore their homes struck by any natural or man-made disasters. Our services include asbestos and lead abatement, mold and fungus removal, fire damage restoration, and water extraction. You can reach us at (626) 316-6651 or fill out our contact form.
