Asbestos is commonly associated with popcorn ceilings, but it can also be found in floor tiles and drywall. Its durability and resistance to electricity, heat, and corrosion made it a useful and popular material for residential projects in the past. However, it is now known to have toxic effects on human health, which is why asbestos abatement is strongly encouraged. 

If structures containing asbestos are disturbed, tiny fibers are released into the air, and these particles are dangerous to inhale. Despite this discovery, asbestos continues to be used in home construction and consumer products today. Rest assured, it is now heavily regulated. But if you have an older home, built before or around the 1970s or 1980s, and if you are considering remodeling your bathroom or other rooms in your home, it’s important to test for asbestos. 

Before building, you will want to identify if asbestos is present using a professional asbestos testing lab. If asbestos is discovered, you will need to investigate asbestos abatement options to safely remove it before you begin remodeling. 

High Concentrations of Asbestos: Older Homes Are at Greater Risk

Older homes that were built prior to increased regulation of asbestos-containing materials are at greater risk of having high concentrations of asbestos in their building materials. This includes the walls, flooring, and insulation used in the bathroom. Areas in your bathroom where asbestos-containing materials may be found include, but are not limited to, in-wall pipes, insulation materials, and near vents. 

Left undisturbed, these materials do not pose any danger, but once you, or your contractor, begins disrupting them by knocking down walls, replacing insulation and caulk, and pipes for new showers and sinks, toxic asbestos dust is released into the air and can be harmful to everyone’s health. 

Choose a Qualified Professional for Asbestos Abatement

Choose a professional with the proper training necessary to inspect and test your home. These professionals should be able to carefully remove, handle, and transport asbestos according to standards set by OSHA and the Department of Environmental Quality. 

The Asbestos Abatement Process

Asbestos abatement should include setting up the affected area by sealing air ducts and disabling HVAC systems. At this point, no one will be allowed back in the home until work is complete and clearance testing has been performed. The abatement contractors will wear protective clothing and use respirators to remove the asbestos-containing materials and seal them in waste disposal bags. 

During this process, the contractors will minimize the dispersion of fibers into the surrounding areas. Once all the materials have been removed, all work area surfaces will be cleaned and a clearance test should be performed to confirm the home is safe to enter.

Asbestos Testing and Removal with ProKleen

Contact ProKleen if you are planning to remodel your bathroom or any other room and would like to learn more about the removal process. Our team has the necessary training to handle this potentially hazardous material and to remove it from your home or office so you can move forward with your remodeling project.