There are tons of contracts that carpenters and disposal teams get that are a cheap or quick fix: for example, getting rid of a smelly carpet or replacing rotting wood planks in outside decks or flooring. When it comes to the disposal of asbestos though, there is nothing simple or quick about the process. Rightfully so, asbestos is among the most damaging substances that a contractor can deal with and can cause life-threatening conditions in people who've been exposed for prolonged amounts of time.
Health Reasons Why Disposal of Asbestos is Ideal
Asbestos is known to cause a lung disorder called Mesothelioma. This illness causes shortness of breath and severe respiratory problems and can be directly attributed to asbestos inhalation. What makes asbestos difficult in the respiratory system is that once it gets wet, it becomes much heavier. Asbestos fibers that become trapped inside a human's lungs can literally stay implanted for the rest of the person's life. Prolonged exposure leads to a variety of illnesses as the different types of asbestos are all toxic. Lung cancer or asbestosis can set in years after exposure while still being directly attributed to asbestos inhalation. For these reasons and more it is essential to undergo the proper disposal for asbestos.
Two Routes to Disposal – Time or Money
There are two options when you've come to terms that the building you own is full of lung-killing asbestos: you can try removing the asbestos containing materials (ACMs) yourself or you can hire a contractor. While a person without a license can legally remove most kinds of asbestos, these professionals will always get the job done quicker and more efficiently than the Jack-of-All-Trades handyman. Drawbacks of doing the job yourself include exposure to a known carcinogen that causes a slew of other debilitating lung and respiratory diseases and the time you're going to invest in learning how to do things right the first time (hopefully). If you want to be sure that you and your family aren't exposed to any asbestos you can dish out a few bucks to a contractor and have the entire house cleaned out within days.
For the DIY Project Fanatic
Commonly asbestos is wetted down with a mist sprayer before being moved anywhere but not all ACMs are water-soluble. Getting rid of asbestos can be a real chore but here are some tips if you decide to do it yourself:
- Be sure to turn off your HVAC system
- Block off all vents to the room where asbestos will be flowing around
- Wet down before, during and after removal to be sure particles will fall to the ground rather than being inhaled
- Move asbestos in large chunks
- Wear a mask and goggles at all times working onsite with asbestos
If You're Looking for Asbestos Abatement
If you've weighed out the options and would rather shell out some money to have the house cleared efficiently and quickly of asbestos, find reputable teams of asbestos removal teams online and get a free quote!