What to Do with Asbestos: A Complete Guide to Safe Handling and Disposal

Asbestos is a natural mineral that was used in construction materials for insulation, roofing, flooring, and fireproofing. It can often be found in older homes, schools, and commercial buildings - especially those built before the 1980s. Knowing what to do with asbestos is important, as improper handling can cause serious health risks.

If material that may contain asbestos is found, the danger lies not just in leaving asbestos in place but also in disturbing it the wrong way. Damaging or removing asbestos without safety steps can release microscopic fibers into the air, creating a serious air pollutant. These released asbestos fibers can lead to lung diseases like asbestosis, mesothelioma, or lung cancer.

This is why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have strict rules about how to handle, remove, and dispose of asbestos materials, and we are here to help you with that with our expert asbestos removal Springfield services.

What to Do With Asbestos: Removal, Disposal, and Risks

Here are the five most important things you need to know about tackling asbestos in your property: 

What to Do If You Find Asbestos

If you live or work in an older building and suspect asbestos, the first and most important step is not to disturb the material. The material that may contain asbestos usually includes old pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and roofing shingles.

Here’s what to do if you find asbestos:

• Do not touch or disturb it.
• Limit access to the work area to avoid spreading fibers.
• Avoid tracking asbestos dust through your home or building.
• Contact a trained professional for testing. We can confirm if asbestos is present, guide you on the next steps, and provide professional asbestos removal services.

Safety Steps to Keep in Mind When Handling Asbestos 

Sometimes, professional help isn’t immediately available. If you must be near asbestos in the short term, take these precautions to handle asbestos safely:

• Wear protective gear like disposable coveralls, gloves, and a respirator approved for asbestos.
• Use plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal off the area.
• Keep the asbestos-containing materials damp, which will help reduce released asbestos fibers.
• Never vacuum or sweep asbestos dust as this can send fibers into the air.
• Always follow occupational safety and health guidelines.

Remember, these steps only reduce risk temporarily and are not a substitute for certified removal. Learn more in our step-by-step asbestos removal guide.

How to Dispose of Asbestos Materials Properly

Once asbestos is removed, it must be thrown away properly to protect people and the environment. It’s important that you never dispose of asbestos in household trash or burn it.

To safely dispose of asbestos materials, follow these steps:

• Wet the asbestos material to reduce airborne fibers.
• Double-bag the waste in heavy-duty plastic bags, sealing them tightly.
• Label the bags clearly according to local rules.
• Follow local air pollution control guidelines on where and how to dump the bags.
• Transport the waste to a facility that accepts asbestos, as required by the Clean Air Act and Environmental Protection Agency rules.

The Risks of Improper Asbestos Handling

Handling asbestos the wrong way can lead to serious consequences. The main risk comes from breathing in air pollutants released by asbestos. Over time, this can cause life-threatening illnesses.

Improper removal and disposal can also break Environmental Protection Agency and occupational safety and health rules. Violating these laws can result in legal trouble, especially if others are exposed to harmful fibers.

Knowing what to do with asbestos and its handling should always be taken seriously. Cutting corners can put your health at risk, as well as the health of those in your surroundings.

Know Your Steps When Dealing With Asbestos

Dealing with asbestos requires care, knowledge, and respect for safety rules. If you’re unsure what to do with asbestos, remember these key points:

• Never disturb material that may contain asbestos.
• Limit access to the work area and avoid tracking asbestos to clean zones.
• If you must be near asbestos, handle it safely using the proper tools and gear.
• Only trained professionals should perform removal of asbestos.
• Always handle and dispose of asbestos according to Occupational Safety and Health and Environmental Protection Agency rules.
• Contact your local air pollution control authority for disposal regulations.

Contact Our Team Today for Expert and Safe Asbestos Removal!

If you think your home or workplace may have asbestos, be responsible and act immediately. Contact ABC Environmental Contracting Services in Springfield at (417) 302-3010 today for certified asbestos removal services, or send us a message through this online form. Trust us to keep you and your environment safe!