How to Clean Your House After Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure is a serious health concern that requires immediate and careful action to prevent long-term health issues. If you have recently discovered that your home has been contaminated with asbestos or you have had direct exposure, it’s critical to handle the situation with extreme caution. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals made up of tiny fibers, which, when inhaled, can cause a range of serious health conditions, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

If you suspect or know that your home has been contaminated with asbestos, it is crucial not to clean it yourself unless you are properly trained and have the appropriate protective equipment. In this blog, we will guide you through the proper steps to clean your house after asbestos exposure, emphasizing safety protocols and when to contact a professional for help.

1. Assessing the Situation

Before you even begin cleaning, it’s important to determine the extent of asbestos contamination in your home. Asbestos fibers are most dangerous when disturbed, as they can easily become airborne and be inhaled.

• Identify Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs): Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials before the 1980s. These can include insulation, roofing tiles, floor tiles, textured paints, drywall, and pipe insulation. If your home was built before 1980, there is a high probability of asbestos in certain materials.

• Check for Visible Damage: Inspect areas where asbestos-containing materials are present to see if they are damaged or deteriorating. Damaged materials are more likely to release harmful fibers into the air.

• Do Not Disturb: If you suspect asbestos is present, do not disturb the material. Do not attempt to remove or repair it yourself, as disturbing it could release toxic asbestos fibers.

2. Avoid DIY Cleaning

Cleaning up asbestos yourself is not recommended under any circumstances, especially if you are not trained in handling hazardous materials. The fibers are microscopic and can easily become airborne when disturbed. If inhaled, these fibers can lead to serious health problems.

Asbestos removal should only be performed by licensed professionals who have been trained in the proper methods for handling and disposing of asbestos. They use specialized equipment such as HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuums, protective suits, and respirators to ensure the fibers do not contaminate other parts of your home.

3. Hiring a Professional Asbestos Removal Service

If you suspect or confirm the presence of asbestos in your home, you should hire a professional asbestos removal company like Impact Site Services to handle the cleanup. These professionals will follow stringent guidelines to remove the hazardous material safely.

• Certified Asbestos Removal Companies: Ensure that the company you hire is certified and licensed to remove asbestos in your area. They will have the necessary tools and experience to handle the job safely.

• Inspection and Testing: A certified company will first perform a detailed inspection of your property. This may include taking samples of suspected asbestos materials to send to a lab for asbestos testing to confirm if asbestos is present.

• Removal Process: The professional team will use specialized equipment, such as HEPA vacuums, to remove the asbestos without contaminating other parts of the home. The contaminated materials will be sealed in special bags and disposed of according to local regulations.

• Post-Removal Air Quality Testing: After the asbestos has been safely removed, the air quality in your home will be tested to ensure that no fibers remain. The area will be cleaned and sealed off to prevent any future exposure.

4. Proper Disposal of Asbestos Waste

Disposing of asbestos waste properly is critical. Improper disposal can lead to asbestos fibers being released into the environment, posing a threat to public health.

• Sealing and Labeling: All asbestos waste must be sealed in thick, leak-tight bags or containers and clearly labeled as hazardous material.

• Transport and Disposal: The waste must be taken to a certified disposal facility equipped to handle asbestos. It is illegal to dispose of asbestos in regular garbage or dump sites.

5. Air Quality Testing

After the removal of asbestos, it’s important to test the air quality to ensure that the fibers have been properly cleared from your home. Certified professionals can perform air monitoring during and after the removal process.

• Visual Inspection: Asbestos fibers may not always be visible, so it’s critical to rely on air monitoring to confirm that the air is free of asbestos fibers.

• Use of HEPA Filters: HEPA filters are used to capture even the smallest particles, including asbestos fibers. Ensure that your home is thoroughly cleaned with HEPA vacuums and air filtration systems before returning to the affected area.

6. Cleaning the Home After Asbestos Removal

While the majority of asbestos will be removed by professionals, there may still be residual contamination that requires cleaning. It’s essential to follow these steps once the asbestos has been removed from your home:

• Professional Cleaning Services: Hire a professional cleaning company that specializes in post-asbestos-removal cleaning. They will use specialized equipment and cleaning agents to remove any remaining asbestos fibers from surfaces and furniture.

• HEPA Vacuuming: This type of vacuum is designed to capture asbestos fibers effectively. It should be used on all floors, walls, ceilings, and hard-to-reach areas where dust may have settled. Never use a standard vacuum, as this could spread fibers throughout the home.

• Wiping Down Surfaces: Use wet wipes or a damp cloth to wipe down all surfaces in the affected area. This helps prevent fibers from becoming airborne during cleaning. Always dispose of cleaning materials in sealed bags after use.

• Replacing Filters: Replace any HVAC or air conditioning filters that may have been exposed to asbestos fibers. This will help prevent the spread of any remaining fibers.

• Sealing Contaminated Areas: After cleaning, it may be necessary to seal off the affected areas with a special coating or encapsulant. This can help prevent any asbestos fibers from becoming airborne again.

7. Ongoing Precautions and Monitoring

After the cleanup process is complete, it is essential to take ongoing precautions to monitor for any potential asbestos exposure.

• Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect the areas where asbestos was present to ensure that no new damage or deterioration is occurring.

• Continue Using Air Filters: Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters in areas where asbestos was present. These can help keep the air clean and free from any potential contaminants.

• Consult with a Professional: Even after removal, continue consulting with a certified asbestos professional if you have any concerns. They can offer additional advice and help ensure the safety of your home.

Conclusion

Cleaning up after asbestos exposure is a highly complex and potentially dangerous process that should be left to certified professionals. While it’s critical to address any asbestos contamination in your home as soon as possible, always remember that your health and safety should come first. By hiring the right asbestos removal professionals and following all necessary safety procedures, you can ensure that your home is safe and free from asbestos exposure.

If you are unsure about whether your home contains asbestos or need help finding certified professionals, don’t hesitate to reach out to local environmental health agencies for guidance.