How to Remove Lead & Asbestos
Lead and asbestos are poisonous substances that lead to illness and sometimes death when humans are exposed to the materials. Buildings before 1978 were often built using lead paints and asbestos was used in the building materials of houses until the EPA ban on new asbestos use in 1989. Though lead and asbestos are not used in new buildings, any building that was built before 1978 has a risk for lead and any building made before 1989 might have asbestos, particularly in ceiling materials on popcorn ceilings. Covering up the problem is not enough to prevent poisoning. Removal of lead and asbestos is the only way to ensure family health and safety. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Protective furniture cloths
- Gloves
- Respirator
- Goggles
- Protective clothing
- Disposal bags or containers
Instructions
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Look at state laws relating to asbestos and lead removal. Some states will require professional services while others will allow homeowners to remove the materials. For those living in states that require professional services, hire the appropriate abatement professionals. Most states require abatement professionals for asbestos, though lead removal is sometimes less strict. State laws regarding asbestos and lead removal is found at local hazardous materials abatement offices or specific lead or asbestos abatement companies. The state website will also have information about state laws regarding asbestos and lead removal, typically under the Department of Natural Resources or under the area for human health.
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Cover the furniture and other items in the room where removal is taking place. Plastic covers are best as a covering material because they are tough and will not allow particles through the cover. Make sure everything is either removed or covered completely before starting.
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Put on protective clothing. Goggles, respirator, gloves and full body coverage are musts when dealing with asbestos and lead. These are poisonous materials.
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Remove the material. The exact removal methods will depend on what material is being removed. For example, lead paint should be scraped off and put into a waste disposal container while asbestos might need materials for shingle removal, a hammer, screwdrivers or other tools, depending on where the asbestos is located and what is being removed.
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Place the materials in the appropriate disposal containers or bags. Every state has different laws regarding the appropriate lead and asbestos disposal containers but usually glass containers are appropriate. Look at the state website for state laws regarding the disposal of hazardous waste, usually placed under the state conservation department.
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Dispose of the asbestos and lead according to state laws regarding the disposal of toxic waste products. Each state is different regarding how the material is disposed of. Look at the state website under the environmental conservation department or the department of health for hazardous waste disposal laws. Some states require that hazardous materials such as lead and asbestos are dumped in a specific location, such as Tennessee's class 4 landfills. Other states, such as Colorado, require a permit for disposal and that professionals dispose of the hazardous waste materials.
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Clean up the entire area, completely sweeping and ensuring all of the asbestos and lead is out of the air before removing protective gear. Throw the cloths, clothes and other items out with the other waste to ensure any lead or asbestos dust is not carried into the house.
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References
Resources
- Illinois Department of Public Health: Lead-Based Paint and Asbestos Abatement
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- State of Tennessee: Department of Environment and Conservation
- Missouri Department of Natural Resources: Asbestos and Lead Based Paint Abatement
- State of Washington: Department of Ecology: Banned Asbestos Building Products
- Photo Credit old house image by Josef F Stuefer from Fotolia.com
