When it comes to asbestos, there’s one golden rule: don’t handle it yourself. Asbestos, once widely used in construction for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, is now recognized as a severe health hazard. Disturbing asbestos releases tiny, dangerous fibres into the air, and even minimal exposure can lead to severe and long-term health consequences. Despite this, some property owners attempt DIY asbestos removal to save on costs or due to a lack of understanding of the risks involved. Here’s why handling asbestos is a job best left to certified professionals, how to identify potential asbestos, and the risks of trying to remove it yourself.
When Was Asbestos Used in Buildings?
Asbestos was used extensively in construction from the early 1900s through the late 1980s. Although its use began to decline in the 1970s due to growing awareness of its health risks, regulations were not put in place until the late 1980s and early 1990s to limit and eventually ban its use in many countries.
- Pre-1980s Buildings: If your home or building was constructed before 1980, there’s a good chance it may contain asbestos in various materials. Buildings from this period commonly have asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, siding, roofing, and pipe insulation.
- 1980s to Early 1990s: Asbestos use began declining during the 1980s, but some materials still contained asbestos until the early 1990s. It’s less common but still possible to find asbestos in buildings from this period.
If you own or are renovating a property built before 1990. Consult with an asbestos professional before starting any demolition or renovation work that might disturb asbestos-containing materials.
Common Materials and Signs of Asbestos
Asbestos was used in various construction materials, some of which may still be present in older homes and buildings. Here are some common asbestos-containing materials to watch for:
- Insulation: Asbestos was widely used for pipes, boilers, and attics. You may find asbestos pipe wrap in basements or attics, especially in older homes.
- Floor Tiles and Adhesives: 9×9-inch floor tiles from the mid-20th century often contain asbestos, and the adhesive used to fix them to the floor may also contain asbestos.
- Ceiling Tiles and Popcorn Ceilings: Asbestos was sometimes used in ceiling tiles and the textured coating known as “popcorn” ceilings. If your home has popcorn ceilings built before the 1980s, it’s worth having them inspected before any renovations.
- Roofing and Siding: Some older roof shingles and siding materials include asbestos. These materials are generally safe if left undisturbed, but attempting to remove or replace them can release harmful fibres.
- Cement Products: Asbestos was commonly added to cement to increase its strength and heat resistance. Asbestos-containing cement was used in panels, pipes, siding, and some cement roofing products.
- HVAC Duct Insulation: Asbestos was often used in older buildings to insulate HVAC ducts and other piping, particularly in basements and mechanical rooms.
While it’s not possible to identify asbestos visually, these materials indicate that it might be present. If your building contains any of these older materials, it’s essential to consult a professional for proper testing and inspection.
Why Professional Asbestos Abatement Matters
1. Safety First: Trained to Protect Health
Certified asbestos abatement professionals follow strict safety procedures to keep asbestos fibres contained. This involves specialized protective gear, containment methods, and tools that the average person cannot access. These safety measures prevent airborne asbestos particles from spreading during removal and disposal.
Professional abatement teams are trained to handle asbestos in a way that minimizes health risks, not only for themselves but also for anyone else in or near the affected area. By relying on experts, you protect yourself, your family, and anyone who may enter the property after removal.
2. Legal Compliance: Avoiding Fines and Liabilities
Government regulations strictly control how asbestos must be handled and disposed of. Improper handling of asbestos can lead to serious legal consequences. Certified professionals are well-versed in regulations regarding asbestos abatement and disposal, ensuring every step of the process meets legal requirements.
DIY asbestos removal often results in improper disposal, which can cause harm to the environment and expose others to asbestos fibres. Professional abatement teams take on the responsibility of safe, legal disposal.
3. Certified Expertise: Specialized Training and Knowledge
Asbestos abatement professionals undergo extensive training and certification processes to ensure they can safely manage the complexities of asbestos removal. They are equipped with the knowledge and experience to assess the extent of asbestos contamination, understand the types of asbestos-containing materials, and implement effective containment and removal strategies.
The Dangers of DIY Asbestos Removal
1. Increased Health Risks for You and Others
Disturbing asbestos can release toxic fibres into the air without proper containment and protective equipment. Inhaled asbestos fibres can lodge deep in the lungs, leading to serious conditions such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. The scary part? These health risks can manifest years, even decades, after exposure, meaning the effects of DIY asbestos removal may not be immediately apparent.
DIY removal puts you at risk and endangers anyone else who enters the area, including family members, future property occupants, or even neighbours, if fibres become airborne outside your property.
2. Improper Containment Can Spread Asbestos Further
Professionals use precise containment strategies, such as sealing off areas with plastic sheeting and employing negative air pressure machines, to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres. In contrast, DIYers are often unaware of the need for containment and may use household tools or basic protective gear, inadvertently spreading asbestos throughout the property.
Common mistakes, like using regular vacuums or sweeping up debris, can worsen the problem by spreading fibres that would otherwise be contained. Asbestos particles can settle in carpets, ventilation systems, and other hard-to-clean areas without proper containment, creating a long-term hazard.
3. Hidden Asbestos Hazards
Asbestos can be present in more than just insulation—it’s commonly found in materials like floor tiles, ceiling coatings, cement products, and even certain adhesives. Identifying all asbestos-containing materials in a building requires training, experience, and specialized testing equipment. Inexperienced individuals may miss hidden asbestos, leading to incomplete removal and continued risk.
Don’t Risk It—Trust the Professionals
The risks of DIY asbestos removal far outweigh any potential savings. Asbestos abatement requires expertise, specialized equipment, and adherence to strict legal and safety regulations—none of which are accessible to the average property owner. By hiring certified asbestos abatement professionals, you can protect yourself and others from the severe health risks of asbestos exposure, ensure proper containment and disposal, and know that the job was done right.
Don’t risk your health if you suspect asbestos in your home or building. Contact North Elm, an asbestos abatement service, to schedule an inspection and discuss safe removal options. Remember, it’s always better to trust the professionals when it comes to asbestos.