Asbestos in the home can be a frightening experience for homeowners. However, asbestos removal may not be as simple as it seems. Asbestos is linked to lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Asbestosis causes scarring and irritation of the lung tissue, while mesothelioma is more deadly.
The safest and easiest way to remove asbestos from your home is by hiring an asbestos abatement service. Abatement companies have the necessary experience and tools to work with asbestos. Many homeowners wonder, to save money, if they can remove asbestos themselves.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that currently there are no federal laws that prohibit a homeowner to remove asbestos from their home.
Federal Requirements
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), however, strongly recommends hiring a professional to remove asbestos. You’ll want as little exposure to asbestos as possible because it is dangerous to your health.
To keep you and your family as safe as possible from asbestos exposure, it is best to consult a professional.
Local Restrictions
Different states, counties and cities have different rules for homeowners who want to remove asbestos themselves. In some places, several different agencies may regulate asbestos removal in Auckland. In the Seattle metro area of Washington, for example, homeowners are required to get a demolition permit and a permit from Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency prior to starting demolition work on areas with asbestos-containing material.
It is not possible to generalize the legality or otherwise of self-removal in all areas due to this patchwork. The best place to find out about the requirements in your locality is with the building department or the health department. Many communities allow homeowners to legally remove asbestos themselves. However, there are a few restrictions.
The removal of asbestos by homeowners is only allowed in residential properties. Commercial properties require a certified abatement specialist to do the job.
Self-removal is only allowed in single-family homes. This includes houses, mobile home, detached garages and houseboats. Multiple-family dwellings (e.g. apartment, duplex, condominium, etc. (nor mixed-use structures and buildings that contain a residence.
Permits are required. In most cases you will need a permit in order to demolish your home. This demolition permit includes the removal of asbestos. For more information, contact your local building or permits department.
Asbestos cannot be thrown in the household garbage. The contaminated material must be disposed of at an approved facility. The standard is usually very low. Materials with even one percent of asbestos must be disposed in an approved area.
Asbestos-Containing Materials
These asbestos-containing materials can be found in:
Vermiculite-containing loose-fill insulation
Popcorn ceiling texture
Wall patching compound and textured paint
House siding
Insulation for pipes, especially wraps and tapes on older pipes
Doors gaskets for oil and coal furnaces
Use heat-resistant paper and board around wood stoves
Vinyl floor tiles, tile backing, and tile adhesive
Commercial testing kits can be purchased to verify asbestos content in building materials. These kits are not always reliable. It is much safer to have the materials tested by an EPA certified laboratory.
