Did you know that asbestos particles can remain in the air for 48 to 72 hours?
When asbestos particles are released into the air they can land on everything from your carpet to your furniture and so much more.
While hiring a professional to get rid of asbestos is the only real way to make sure it is eliminated thoroughly.
However, you can still do a few things to help eliminate at least some of these airborne particles.
Let’s take a look at some of the factors on how you can remove asbestos particles from the air.
How Do You Remove Asbestos Particles From The Air?
When it comes to removing asbestos particles from the air, there isn’t too much that you can do.
There are specific EPA laws and regulations when it comes to handling and cleaning up asbestos.
In fact, if you Inhale asbestos it can cause Mesothelioma. Which is a cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
So, if you are exposed to asbestos it is best to contact a professional.
However, here are some tips that are known to help clean up asbestos particles.
1. Air Purifier With HEPA Filter
The best thing you can do to get rid of asbestos particles in the air is to use an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
HEPA filters eliminate the absolute smallest airborne particles, smaller than any other type of filter does.
Studies have shown that HEPA filters can eliminate particles down to 0.3 microns.
When it comes to asbestos fibres, they are extremely tiny.
So, it’s important to know that you cannot sweep, mop, wash, or do any type of cleaning when the area is contaminated with asbestos.
This will help to avoid the asbestos particles going into the air.
Furthermore, using an air purifier is an excellent way to remove asbestos particles from the air.
However, It can be difficult to find a good air purifier for asbestos. So, I reviewed the Top 5 best HEPA air purifiers for asbestos and made a post about it.
2. Vacuum Cleaner With HEPA Filter
A way to remove asbestos particles that have fallen on the floor, is to use a vacuum with a true HEPA filter.
Most importantly, when vacuuming up asbestos it is important to let a professional who is trained to handle asbestos remove it.
These vacuum cleaners are not as expensive as you might think, and the best part about them is that they work!
In fact, between a HEPA air purifier and a HEPA vacuum cleaner, you’ll be surprised by how much of the asbestos they trap and are eliminated.
3. Find An Asbestos Abatement Company
Hire a company that is certified to remove and handle asbestos. It’s worth the extra investment to hire a professional.
When it comes to removing asbestos from your home don’t it!
Leave it for the professionals. Removing asbestos is risky and if particles get in the air they stay for a while.
The fibres can get into the lungs of you or someone you love.
It’s important to know that asbestos is only harmful if asbestos fibers are broken and released into the air.
So, it is better to let someone who is trained to handle it.
4. Encapsulation
If you seek out a local professional they can do something called encapsulating.
This process involves putting a liquid barrier between the asbestos floor and the new floor you are wanting to install. Whether it’s tile, vinyl tile or laminate.
By encapsulating it, it will trap the particles beneath the floor you are going to be installing.
This will ensure that you don’t have to worry about breakage and the asbestos particles won’t go airborne.
5. Asbestos Test Kit
If your home was built before the 1980s and you have any doubts you have asbestos or not. Then don’t worry they have a test for that.
You can do an asbestos testing kit.
It is very easy to do. And it doesn’t take more than a week to get the results back.
The kit includes the lab fee. All you have to do is ship it off. And it will definitely tell you whether you have anything to worry about.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding asbestos particles in the air and what you can do about them.
What Filter Do I Need for Asbestos?
The only filter that is certified to eliminate asbestos particles is a HEPA filter.
But you have to buy one that is a “true” HEPA filter. In order to be labeled as such, a true HEPA filter must:
- Trap particles as small as 0.3 microns
- Have an efficiency rate of at least 99.97%
HEPA filters trap asbestos particles and contain them, and out of every 10,000 particulates that are sucked in by the filter, only 3 or fewer are able to get away.
But it’s the fact that they trap such tiny particles that makes a difference when trying to get rid of asbestos particles.
Other types of filters simply aren’t able to trap and contain particles that are as small as asbestos particles, which is why HEPA filters are so important.
What Size Are Asbestos Fibers?
Asbestos fibers can range from 0.7 to 90 microns, or 0.1 to 10 µm in length.
For this reason,is why a HEPA filter is so efficient at removing them.
What a lot of people don’t realize is that a HEPA filter can be placed inside of your HVAC system.
This means you don’t need a desktop-type air purifier in order to enjoy the benefits of this type of filter.
If you’re concerned about asbestos in your home and you want to purchase an air purifier or an HVAC filter, just make sure it’s a true HEPA-type filter.
There are six types of asbestos, but the type found in 95% of commercial products is called chrysotile, which is white in color.
Amosite, which is brown, and crocidolite, which is blue, are the next most-common types of asbestos found in commercial buildings.
Do N95 Masks Protect Against Asbestos?
Unfortunately, N95 masks do not protect against asbestos.
They also do not protect you against gasses, chemical vapors, gasoline, lead, carbon monoxide, or low-oxygen environments.
This isn’t to say that N95 masks aren’t any good.
Indeed, they are more than 95% effective in protecting you from dust and mold in the environment.
They are a great type of mask to use if you’re viewing your home immediately after a natural disaster such as a storm or flooding; they simply can’t protect against asbestos particles.
Why Call In The Professionals?
If you’ve recently renovated or you have a brand new home, you might have asbestos particles in the air.
Air purifiers with HEPA filters are the best way to get rid of them.
But it’s better to call in the professionals, you can have true peace of mind in the end.
They have the expertise and knowledge, not to mention the right equipment and tools, to eliminate nearly 100% of the asbestos particles in your home.
One of the main advantages of hiring these pros is that they not only contain all of the asbestos.
But they also know how to properly dispose of it according to legal guidelines.
Conclusion
Having asbestos in your home can be disastrous and even deadly.
Hiring the experts is always a great idea, but if you feel like you prefer a personal device in your home that continuously works to remove asbestos and numerous other dangerous particles.
Just make sure you get one that uses a true HEPA filter. Remember, it must meet certain requirements if it’s labeled as a “true” filter, and this is not the same thing as a “HEPA-like” filter that some air purifiers use.
Whether you trust the pros to remove and dispose of the asbestos in your home or you’re trying to do it yourself, the good news is that you now have a lot of options available to you.
I hope this post was helpful and answered all your questions on how to remove asbestos from air.
(Author)
Irene Batres is eager to help others create an indoor allergen-free home. She has years of experience testing out air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and other products designed to help with indoor air quality. Learn more about me.
