Asbestos Removal

Asbestos Removal

Asbestos removal is most always performed by specialists, depending on the location. Asbestos has been listed as a Hazardous Material by US EPA. Asbestos is a carcinogen. Removal has to be performed with greatest care so that it does not become airborne. Mesothelioma is a disease, that initially affects the lungs and is directly attributed to exposure to asbestos. The handling of asbestos also requires strictest compliance with federal and state regulations. The chief consideration of asbestos removal is disposal. Most waste landfills don't accept asbestos in any form. The disposal of asbestos must be transported to a special hazardous waste site.

Asbestos Use
The US government has regulated all use of asbestos due to a rash of cases during the late 1950's to early 1960's of employees who contracted mesothelioma. Prior to this, asbestos had been produced for use in construction materials for sidings for homes as well as automotive uses such as linings in brake systems.

Safety Equipment for Removal
Special hazardous material Tyvek suits must be worn for any asbestos removal projects as well as masks with special HEPA filters, protective gloves and boots. On most asbestos removal projects, the asbestos, depending on quantity, is removed by placing it on a safety tarp and later sealed tightly until disposal at a hazardous waste site. Vehicles used in the disposal of asbestos are immediately power-washed to avoid future contamination.

Professional Asbestos Removal and Disposal
Consequently, asbestos removal by non-professionals would not be desirable. US EPA regulations mandate that all asbestos removal be reported by certified asbestos removal management to local, state and federal authorities. This also includes the waste disposal manifests documented by hazardous waste haulers.

Cost of Asbestos Removal
The cost involved to remove asbestos can be pricey. The cost for disposal often exceeds the cost for removal. This is because the accepting hazardous waste sites must thoroughly document, usually in triplicate, the origin of the asbestos and those involved in removal and disposal. This is for the purpose of any future exposure, should it occur, to the asbestos in the performance of the removal.

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