Asbestos is a material that was once used in construction because it was strong, fire-resistant, and great for insulation. You can find it in old buildings—inside walls, ceilings, pipes, and even floor tiles. But here’s the problem: when asbestos gets damaged, it releases tiny fibers into the air. If you breathe them in, they can cause serious health problems.
Exposure to asbestos is linked to diseases like lung cancer, asbestosis (which makes it hard to breathe), and mesothelioma, a rare but deadly cancer. The scary part? These illnesses don’t show up right away. It can take decades for symptoms to appear, which is why many people don’t realize they were exposed until it’s too late.
That’s why asbestos removal is not something you should try on your own. It’s not just about getting rid of it—it’s about doing it safely.
Can You Remove Asbestos Yourself?
The short answer? No. In most cases, it’s actually illegal for someone without the right training to remove asbestos. Even if you could do it, it’s extremely risky. Here’s why:
1. Disturbing Asbestos Releases Harmful Fibers
If asbestos is left alone and undamaged, it’s not always a danger. But as soon as you start cutting, drilling, or breaking it apart, those fibers become airborne. They’re so tiny that you can’t see them, smell them, or feel them—but they can stay in the air for hours.
2. You Need Special Equipment
Professionals wear protective suits, masks, and use special vacuums with HEPA filters to contain asbestos dust. A regular dust mask from the hardware store won’t protect you.
3. It Can Spread to Other Areas
Asbestos fibers don’t just disappear. They can stick to your clothes, hair, and even get carried through air vents, spreading the danger to other parts of your home.
4. Disposal Is Complicated
You can’t just throw asbestos waste in the trash. It must be sealed in approved bags and taken to a licensed disposal site. If you don’t do it correctly, you could face legal trouble and end up putting others at risk.
How Professionals Handle Asbestos Safely
Instead of risking your health, it’s best to leave asbestos removal to experts like Cordtape Environmental Services. They have the knowledge, training, and equipment to remove asbestos without putting anyone in danger. Here’s how they do it:
- Inspection and Testing
- Before removing anything, professionals test materials to confirm if they contain asbestos. They use special tools to check air quality and see if fibers are present.
- Creating a Containment Area
- Once asbestos is found, the area is sealed off to prevent fibers from spreading. This might include plastic sheeting, negative air pressure machines, and warning signs.
- Safe Removal and Cleanup
- Workers wear full protective suits and use special techniques to remove asbestos without breaking it apart. Vacuum systems with HEPA filters catch any stray fibers.
- Proper Disposal
- Asbestos waste is double-bagged, labeled, and transported to an approved hazardous waste facility. It’s never mixed with regular trash.
- Final Air Testing
- After removal, professionals check the air again to make sure it’s safe before reopening the area.
What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos in Your Home
If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a chance it has asbestos somewhere. But don’t panic—if it’s undisturbed and in good condition, it might not pose an immediate threat. However, if you’re planning renovations, or if you notice crumbling insulation, damaged tiles, or exposed pipe coverings, take these steps:
- Don’t Touch It
- Avoid drilling, cutting, or trying to remove the material yourself. Disturbing it makes things worse.
- Call a Professional for Testing
- Certified asbestos inspectors can take samples and determine if asbestos is present.
- Follow Their Recommendations
- If asbestos is found, professionals will tell you whether it needs to be removed or if it’s safer to leave it alone and seal it.
The Cost of Professional Removal vs. The Cost of Health Risks
Some people avoid hiring asbestos removal services because they think it’s too expensive. But consider this—medical bills from asbestos-related diseases are far worse than the cost of proper removal.
If asbestos isn’t handled correctly, it can lead to contamination, legal penalties, and health problems that don’t show up until years later. Hiring a professional may seem like a big expense now, but it’s a small price to pay for safety and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos removal is not a DIY job. It’s too dangerous, too complicated, and too risky for anyone without the proper training. If you suspect asbestos in your home or workplace, the best thing you can do is leave it alone and call a professional.
By using trained experts, you’re protecting yourself, your family, and anyone else who might come into contact with the area. And when it comes to asbestos, safety should always come first.