Risk Assessment of Asbestos Removal

While your own risk assessment for asbestos removal is important for any remodeling project, visual inspection by a layperson is not a substitute for professional investigation via air and dust sampling. Be aware that disturbing asbestos material can increase contamination risks.

Risk Assessment

• According to the EPA, asbestos found in schools is usually left alone unless it is damaged, or about to be disturbed by remodeling projects. windows in old manchester offices image by green308 from Fotolia.com

  Asbestos removal at homes and offices creates potential health hazards. If the asbestos has been damaged, disturbed or is in bad condition, risks of health hazards increase. The location of asbestos is also a factor in asbestos risk assessment. Asbestos in an area with a great deal of human activity is more likely to be disturbed, increasing the health risks.

Health Risks

• Until 1989, asbestos fiber was common in household insulation. spiraling insulation image by jbattx from Fotolia.com

  According to the Asbestos website, health risks associated with asbestos are caused by its tendency to separate into microscopic, airborne particles. These particles are inhaled or swallowed by humans. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Airborn Particles

• The levels of airborne particles in a building (including asbestos) can vary greatly depending on the human activity in the building. The type of activities done in a building (use of fans, vacuums and opening of windows) also affects the levels of airborne particles. In short, samples taken for asbestos removal risk assessment can vary daily based on activity in a building.