Asbestos removal (abatement) must be performed by licensed asbestos abatement contractors following strict EPA and OSHA protocols. DIY asbestos removal is illegal in most jurisdictions and extremely dangerous.
The Abatement Process
- Pre-abatement inspection — certified inspector identifies all asbestos materials
- Containment — area sealed with polyethylene sheeting; negative air pressure
- Worker protection — full-face respirators, Tyvek suits
- Wet removal — materials thoroughly wetted to suppress fiber release
- Decontamination — workers decontaminate through three-stage airlock
- Clearance air testing — fiber counts must meet EPA standards
- Disposal — waste is double-bagged and taken to hazardous waste landfills
Typical Costs
- Small residential: \$1,500-\$5,000
- Whole-home: \$5,000-\$30,000+
- Commercial: often \$100,000+