How Do I Decontaminate Myself Or My Home After Asbestos Has Been Removed?

If you have discovered the presence of asbestos in your home and are considering removing it, you’re probably worried about asbestos contamination and how to avoid it. The simple fact is that the best way to avoid such contamination is by hiring a trained, licensed asbestos abatement expert and crew to remove it for you.

Removing asbestos on your own is a bad idea for several reasons, not the least of which is liability. When you undertake asbestos removal yourself, you assume all responsibility for any exposure and injuries resulting thereof. You can be sued for damages as readily as a large corporation, and are far more likely to be found liable by the court. Health care costs are astronomical for those with asbestos-related diseases.

In comparison to such costs, professional asbestos abatement services are an incredible bargain. Furthermore, some homeowner’s policies may cover asbestos abatement costs in whole or part. It’s worthwhile to call your insurance company and find out if this may be true in your case.

Protect Yourself and Your Home

If you are determined to remove it yourself, it is necessary to take several steps in order to prevent asbestos exposure to yourself and the rest of the dwelling. One of the steps is to create a containment area, which involves hanging plastic sheeting on all surfaces other than the area from which asbestos is to be removed; you will find detailed instructions for doing this under the title "How Do I Contain Asbestos While I'm Removing It?" elsewhere on this website.

You will also need protective clothing and equipment. The most important protection consists of a half-face, dual cartridge respirator with HEPA filters and goggles that are vented in order to prevent fogging. In addition, you’ll need several pairs of disposable coveralls as well as rubber gloves and boots.

If You Are Exposed

Any protective clothing worn while performing asbestos abatement should be properly disposed of along with other asbestos-containing material (ACM) waste. EPA regulations are quite specific on the topic of asbestos waste disposal; this subject is covered in some depth in "Packaging Removed Asbestos Materials" and "Transporting Asbestos Containing Materials" in another part of this site.

Should  your normal clothing become contaminated, the safest course of action is to dispose of them in accordance with EPA regulations. However, the Atlantic County (New Jersey) Department of Health suggests that such clothing may be rinsed with running water from a hose or faucet prior to washing. Likewise, pets and any houseplants that have been exposed should also be rinsed thoroughly, as well as yourself; showers under running water (not baths) are standard operating procedure in the asbestos abatement industry.

Any food that has been exposed to asbestos must be thrown away unless well sealed in a tight plastic container or glass jar. Such containers should be rinsed thoroughly. If you suspect the food inside has been contaminated, dispose of it with the rest of your asbestos waste.

For rugs, carpets, furniture, AC/heating ducts and cars, bicycles or other vehicles, you’ll need a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. "HEPA" stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air, and is the only filter suitable for dealing with the microscopic fibers generated by friable (crumbling) asbestos.

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