Asbestos is a hazardous material known to cause respiratory difficulties and lung cancer. To protect your health, take measures to prevent exposure to airborne particles during asbestos removal. Never attempt to remove asbestos on your own. Here are some ways to protect yourself from exposure when asbestos is being removed from your home.

How to Limit Asbestos Exposure

1. Avoid Accidental Releases

Asbestos is most dangerous when airborne particles are ingested. Avoid dusting, sweeping, or vacuuming debris or older construction materials that may contain asbestos, including insulation, fireproofing material, and vinyl flooring.

As a precaution, saturate any asbestos-containing debris with water and dish soap until it can be removed, and wear a respirator to minimize accidental exposure.

2. Keep Older Vinyl Flooring Intact

Some older wax-coated flooring materials may contain asbestos. Avoid stripping the wax from older vinyl floors or disturbing floor tiles with paper backing or adhesives. Rely on a licensed asbestos removal contractor to safely remove any asbestos flooring if you’re remodeling your home.

3. Leave Undamaged Asbestos Alone

Undamaged asbestos-containing insulation and roofing materials are not considered hazardous as long as they remain intact and undisturbed. Cover undamaged materials with polyethylene sheeting if you’re working nearby to prevent accidental release of asbestos particles. In addition, always wear safety equipment—gloves, respirators, hats, masks, and goggles—whenever working with or near asbestos-containing materials. To avoid contamination during asbestos removal, confer with a team of environmental specialists, who may advise you to move fabrics and furniture into storage during asbestos abatement.

The safest way to have asbestos removed from your home is by hiring licensed environmental specialists. Rainbow Environmental Services in Cincinnati, OH, provides comprehensive solutions for removing asbestos hazards from homes and businesses. Call (513) 624-6470 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their asbestos removal services.