What to Do When Asbestos is in the Soil
Finding asbestos in the soil is not only alarming—it’s a serious environmental and health concern. Whether it’s discovered during construction, landscaping, or an environmental assessment, knowing how to respond properly is crucial.
In this blog, we’ll break down what asbestos in the soil means, how it gets there, and most importantly, what to do if you encounter it.
What Is Asbestos, and Why Is It Dangerous?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals once widely used in construction due to its strength and resistance to heat. However, when disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne. If inhaled, these fibers can cause serious illnesses like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
While many people associate asbestos with old buildings, it can also be found in the soil—especially in areas where demolition, improper disposal, or natural asbestos deposits are present.
How Does Asbestos Get Into Soil?
Asbestos can find its way into the ground through a few main avenues:
- Demolition debris: Improperly disposed construction materials containing asbestos.
- Contaminated fill: Soil brought from another location that was unknowingly contaminated.
- Natural occurrence: Some areas have asbestos naturally present in the ground.
- Industrial activity: Past industrial operations involving asbestos use or manufacturing.
Signs Asbestos May Be in the Soil
Asbestos itself isn’t visible to the naked eye, but here are some red flags:
- Old construction or demolition materials buried underground.
- Crumbly, fibrous debris in the soil—particularly from buildings built before the 1980s.
- Land with a known industrial or demolition history.
- Soil imported from unverified sources.
If you suspect asbestos, it’s critical not to disturb the soil.
What to Do If You Discover or Suspect Asbestos in Soil
1. Stop Work Immediately
Whether you’re digging, excavating, or landscaping—stop all activities that could disturb the soil. Disturbance increases the risk of fibers becoming airborne.
2. Restrict Access to the Area
Keep people and pets away from the site. If possible, cover the area with a tarp to prevent dust and fiber movement.
3. Engage a Licensed Asbestos Professional
Contact an environmental consultant or licensed asbestos assessor. They can:
- Take soil samples.
- Send them to an accredited lab for testing.
- Advise on next steps based on the results.
4. Follow Regulatory Requirements
Asbestos is strictly regulated in most countries. If asbestos is confirmed:
- Notify the appropriate environmental or occupational health authorities.
- Follow legal protocols for containment, removal, and disposal.
5. Consider Remediation Options
Depending on the level of contamination, experts may recommend:
- Soil Remediation: Contaminated soil is safely removed and disposed of.
- Encapsulation: The soil is treated or covered to prevent fiber release.
- Capping: A physical barrier (like clean soil, concrete, or turf) is placed over the contaminated area.
What Not to Do
- Do not attempt to test the soil yourself.
- Do not dig or disturb the soil any further.
- Do not ignore the issue. Health risks from airborne asbestos can be severe and long-term.
Protecting Yourself and the Community
Asbestos in soil is manageable with the right response. Early identification and proper professional guidance are key to reducing health risks and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
If you think your land might be contaminated, don’t take chances—call in the experts and act responsibly.
If you suspect or have discovered asbestos in the soil, Impact Site Services is here to help. Our experienced team specialises in safe, compliant asbestos removal services.