Industry
Fact-checked

At AboutMechanics, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How is Asbestos Removed?

Diana Bocco
Diana Bocco

Asbestos is a group of fibers, both natural and man-made, that were widely used prior to mid-1970s to insulate buildings, prepare roof shingles and dry walls, and for the installation of cement pipes and floor tiles. While asbestos is still part of construction materials, certain fibers are no longer being used because of their highly porous consistency that makes them more likely to be inhaled.

Removal of asbestos is essential to prevent a number of serious respiratory problems. Because asbestos can be inhaled and remain in the lungs for several years, it can lead to anything from shortness of breath and coughing to lung cancer and even death.

Asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer.
Asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer.

It is essential to remove asbestos from a building to protect the health of people living or working there. Asbestos removal is also the legal responsibility of the owner of the building, and can only be done by licensed asbestos abatement contractors. Once a building owner identifies the presence of asbestos, he should try and have it removed as soon as possible.

Contractors involved in removing asbestos need to wear a respirator mask to prevent health issues related.
Contractors involved in removing asbestos need to wear a respirator mask to prevent health issues related.

Asbestos can be removed by a number of different methods, although controlled wet stripping is the preferred way because it controls the amount of dust released into the environment during removal. Dry stripping is another popular method for the removal of asbestos because it is inexpensive and relatively easy to do. However, dry stripping is not recommended in most cases because it produces a high level of dust.

Inhaled asbestos can remain in the lungs for several years, leading to problems including shortness of breath.
Inhaled asbestos can remain in the lungs for several years, leading to problems including shortness of breath.

If removing the asbestos is not feasible, it is also possible to seal it up so that it does not enter the environment. Sealing is sometimes preferred over the removal because it is quicker and produces less dust. The fibers can be sealed up with paneling or through the use of PVC adhesive or a bitumastic paint. Wallpaper and hardboard panels can also be used to seal asbestos in as long as a strong adhesive is applied.

Ceiling tiles installed before 1981 may contain asbestos.
Ceiling tiles installed before 1981 may contain asbestos.

Whenever someone is attempting to remove asbestos, workers should wear protective masks and label the area so passers-by are warned about potential risks. If homeowners thinks they have asbestos in their home, they should always contact a certified contractor to check the building and confirm these findings.

Discussion Comments

anon290210

A good post, and I would consider also asking about the safety steps that go into the job, not just the price quoted. This site seems to have some good info.

I was looking for some asbestos removal sites to find out more about these kinds of materials and the procedures too. Still after reading your article, it really helps.

anon254286

I am a licensed asbestos consultant, and I can say this is very a informative article. People need to be educated.

anon3202

just a guess, but maybe negative pressure means that they use a vacuum-like system to suck the asbestos away?

anon3194

When a person says that asbestos is always removed under negative pressure, what does this mean?

anon1079

This article is entirely inside out. I've been researching asbestos and abatement, and even the American Lung Association (not to mention all the federal agencies that regulate asbestos) say removal is the remedy of last resort, enclosure or encapsulation being absolutely preferred (although eventually it will have to be removed).

Also, there's a whole lot more to removal than touched on here. It's a very dangerous proposition, and someone taking the brief advice in this article could wind up badly exposed, their whole home contaminated, and in violation of numerous state and local laws. This is pretty irresponsible.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer.
      By: itsmejust
      Asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer.
    • Contractors involved in removing asbestos need to wear a respirator mask to prevent health issues related.
      By: kostrez
      Contractors involved in removing asbestos need to wear a respirator mask to prevent health issues related.
    • Inhaled asbestos can remain in the lungs for several years, leading to problems including shortness of breath.
      By: DURIS Guillaume
      Inhaled asbestos can remain in the lungs for several years, leading to problems including shortness of breath.
    • Ceiling tiles installed before 1981 may contain asbestos.
      By: alexus
      Ceiling tiles installed before 1981 may contain asbestos.
    • Someone dealing with the presence of asbestos may require the use of an inhaler to breathe.
      By: Patryssia
      Someone dealing with the presence of asbestos may require the use of an inhaler to breathe.
    • Removal of asbestos is essential to prevent a number of serious respiratory problems.
      By: jovannig
      Removal of asbestos is essential to prevent a number of serious respiratory problems.
    • Shortness of breath is a common symptom of exposure to asbestos.
      By: stefanolunardi
      Shortness of breath is a common symptom of exposure to asbestos.