How to Deal with Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos is a serious health risk, so if you believe you may have asbestos in products within your home or work environment, especially if it is crumbling or disintegrating, do not handle them yourselves. Airborne asbestos fibers are dangerous if inhaled, but generally, asbestos products in solid condition pose no serious risks. Professionals can analyze asbestos containting products in your home and remove or correct their presence in a number of ways, depending on the condition of the product. Read on to find out the safest steps to deal with potential asbestos hazards.
Inspection

If you believe you have asbestos in your house, it is important to have it inspected. State health agencies or independent testing companies can do this for you. They can take a sample of suspicious materials and have them analyzed to determine whether they are asbestos-related and what level of risk there may be.
Asbestos Encapsulation (Sealing)

Asbestos encapsulation, or sealing, is a method to make existing asbestos more safe. Encapsulation involves sealing off an undamaged asbestos-containing substance by coating the materials. This prevents fibers from loosening and becoming airborne. Encapsulation will not work if materials are damaged, soft, or crumbling. If repair or encapsulation is not appropriate, it is recommended that the asbestos be covered or removed.
Crumbling Asbestos

Crumbly, soft or damaged asbestos-containing products increase the risk that asbestos fibers will be able to enter the air. Do no sweep or vacum the asbestos dust as that will cause the fibres to become airborne; they should be wet-mopped or vaccumed with a HEPA Crumbly asbestos should be covered or removed by asbestos-handling professionals only. Consult a reliable professional if you have crumbling asbestos.
Damaged Asbestos

Like crumbly or soft asbestos-containing products, there is a greater risk that asbestos fibers will be airborne. Crumbly asbestos should be covered or removed by asbestos-handling professionals only. Consult a reliable professional to determine the appropriate way to deal with damaged asbestos.