It seems almost an illogical question to ask, "is asbestos removal safe?" Of course it isn't, otherwise there wouldn't be as stringent rules on the proper removal of this carcinogenic and dreaded material. Asbestos was used since the forties as insulation and fireproofing for buildings. Some asbestos materials are water-soluble which allows them to easily be quarantined and whisked away whereas other types are a nightmare and aren't water-soluble. Asbestos removal is safest when the materials are doused in water whether they're soluble or not: the only problem with non-water-soluble asbestos is that the people doing the dangerous job of removing the asbestos containing materials (ACMs) must spray the ACMs down on a more regular basis.
What About Water Makes Asbestos Safer?
Asbestos is extremely dangerous no matter what you spray on it: the spraying of water simply weighs down asbestos particulate so that the material clumps together rather than disperses in air when it is unsettled or moved. When the material you're working with isn't water-soluble, it means that the particles will only stick to each other until the water has evaporated. For water-soluble asbestos removal it's a simple matter of spraying and scooping out asbestos "mush" into the garbage bags on site. Even though the asbestos isn't kicking around and should fall to the floor when weighed down by water, always wear a mask when working with it. Water does not in any way make asbestos "safer".
Is Asbestos Removal Safe Enough for Me to Try?
If you're going to be working with asbestos for the first time and you've never worked as a contractor or laborer, you may want to immediately consult a professional. If you've got some handiwork skills, you may be able to tackle the project. The hardest part is making sure that there is no possible way for asbestos to escape the area while you're clearing it out. Just to reiterate, there is nothing safe about asbestos removal – that's why there are so many precautions and safety recommendations when dealing with the stuff. Try wearing a body suit with goggles and a breathing mask if possible while working on the ACMs: while spraying them and while taking them to the garbage. Never forget to kill the power to your air and heat systems before starting an asbestos job. A mistakenly flipped switch by a child could mean exposing the whole house to asbestos. Be sure to cut power from the breaker. Lastly, use tape or some other blockade to prevent air from passing through ducts leading to the room where the asbestos is.
If you follow these techniques, you'll find that the answer to the question, "is asbestos removal safe" is always no. You'll also find the many ways and preparations required to effectively maneuver through discarding the carcinogenic material properly. If you feel as though your handiwork skills are inadequate for this task or if you don't want to subject your family to the risk of exposure, contact a professional asbestos removal team.