asbestos removal
Asbestos is a hazardous material that poses serious health risks when disturbed. Commonly used in building materials throughout the 20th century, asbestos was valued for its strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties. However, once the health dangers became clear, its use was heavily restricted or banned in many countries. Today, asbestos remains present in millions of older homes and buildings, hidden in places like insulation, cement sheeting, floor tiles, roofing, and pipe lagging.
Homeowners and renovators are sometimes tempted to handle asbestos removal themselves in an effort to save money or time. However, DIY asbestos removal is highly dangerous and strongly discouraged. There are significant risks involved, not only to the person performing the removal but also to anyone who enters the contaminated area afterward. Professional asbestos removal is the safest, most responsible choice.
1. Asbestos Exposure Poses Serious Health Risks
The most compelling reason to avoid DIY asbestos removal is the severe health danger posed by airborne asbestos fibers. When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed—cut, drilled, sanded, or broken—they release microscopic fibers into the air. Once inhaled, these fibers can lodge deep in the lungs and remain there for years, often leading to life-threatening conditions such as:
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, or abdomen.
- Asbestosis: A chronic and irreversible lung disease caused by scarring of lung tissue.
- Lung Cancer: Prolonged exposure significantly increases the risk, especially in smokers.
- Pleural Thickening: Thickening of the membrane surrounding the lungs, causing chest pain and breathing issues.
These diseases often do not show symptoms until decades after exposure, making prevention through safe practices essential.
2. Lack of Proper Safety Equipment
Professional asbestos removal companies use specialized personal protective equipment (PPE), including disposable coveralls, gloves, full-face respirators with HEPA filters, and airtight work enclosures. Most homeowners do not have access to this level of protection, nor do they understand how to use it correctly.
Improper or insufficient PPE exposes DIYers to direct contact with asbestos fibers, significantly increasing the risk of contamination. Even simple acts—such as removing a piece of ACM without wetting it—can release a high volume of fibers into the surrounding air.
3. Improper Handling Can Worsen Contamination
Licensed asbestos professionals follow strict removal protocols to minimize fiber release. This includes:
- Wetting down materials to suppress dust
- Using negative air pressure systems to prevent fibers from escaping the work area
- Sealing off spaces with plastic sheeting
- Safely bagging and labeling waste for disposal
A DIY approach often lacks these crucial steps. Without proper techniques, disturbing asbestos can contaminate air vents, carpets, furniture, and other porous materials, turning a small problem into a widespread hazard.
4. You Could Be Breaking the Law
In many countries, strict laws regulate the handling and disposal of asbestos. Unlicensed individuals are often prohibited from removing certain types or quantities of asbestos. For example, friable asbestos (easily crumbled and more dangerous) generally must be removed by licensed professionals only.
DIY removal without proper permits or notification can result in significant legal consequences, including fines or prosecution. Additionally, improper disposal of asbestos in general waste bins or landfills is illegal and endangers waste management workers and the environment.
5. You Risk Endangering Others Around You
Asbestos fibers are not only dangerous to the person handling the material—they can linger in the air and settle on clothing, tools, and surfaces. This creates a risk for secondary exposure, especially for children, elderly individuals, and pets who may unknowingly come into contact with contaminated areas.
Even brief, low-level exposure has been linked to long-term health effects. Protecting your loved ones should be a top priority, and DIY removal introduces unnecessary risk into your living environment.
6. You May Invalidate Insurance or Warranty Claims
Attempting to remove asbestos yourself could potentially void your home insurance policy or any warranties associated with renovation or construction work. Insurers may deny claims if unlicensed work leads to contamination or health hazards, leaving you financially liable for damage or cleanup costs.
In contrast, hiring licensed asbestos removalists provides documentation and peace of mind that the job was done according to regulations and best practices.
7. Professional Services Offer Long-Term Peace of Mind
While it may seem more affordable to remove asbestos yourself, the potential costs—both financial and health-related—can be far greater in the long run. Licensed asbestos removal services offer:
- Accurate identification and testing
- Safe and controlled removal techniques
- Legal compliance and documentation
- Proper waste transport and disposal
- Air quality monitoring and post-removal clearance
By hiring professionals, you reduce the risk of exposure and ensure that your property is safe for current and future occupants.
Conclusion
DIY asbestos removal is not only dangerous—it is often illegal and unnecessary. The long-term health risks of exposure far outweigh the short-term savings you might achieve by attempting to remove asbestos yourself. Given the complexity of proper handling and disposal, and the serious implications of getting it wrong, asbestos removal is a job best left to certified professionals.
Whether you’re renovating an older property, demolishing a structure, or suspect asbestos is present, the safest path forward is to consult a licensed asbestos removal expert. Your health—and the health of everyone around you—is too important to risk.
