I recently hired a well-known local company to remove asbestos siding from my house and replace it with vinyl siding. They refuse to install over the asbestos and say they handle asbestos tile removal frequently. In my state, there aren't any restrictions on asbestos removal for single-family homes.
However, while they're working, I'm shocked at their lack of safety measures. They aren't wearing masks or any protective gear, haven't wet the tiles before removal, and aren't taking care in handling the debris. They're even walking on the tiles that are broken, which is concerning! They're using regular trash bags instead of double-bagging the tiles for disposal.
I'm really worried. Are asbestos siding tiles actually safe to handle this irresponsibly? Should I be concerned about asbestos entering my home? Also, would it be wise to turn off our central air units during this process? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Asbestos really only poses a serious risk when the fibers are disturbed and inhaled. If they’re handling the tiles carefully and removing them intact, the danger is lower, especially since it's outdoors. But it’s concerning that they’re not using any protective gear. Be sure to keep an eye on how they’re handling the materials, especially if they look like they're breaking them apart. You might want to keep your air systems off just to be cautious during this process.
It’s important to know that the real danger from asbestos comes when it’s broken down into fine particles that can be inhaled. If they are crunching the tiles underfoot, that’s a red flag! Just keep an eye on things, and if you see any excessive dust or unsafe practices, don’t hesitate to call it out or even get a second opinion from another contractor.
Wow, it seems pretty extreme how casually they’re treating this! Just because there are no state restrictions doesn't mean it's safe. If they’re breaking the tiles and creating dust, that could be a problem. Definitely reach out to your local EPA or health department if you're feeling uneasy about the removal process.