Before it was banned in the late 1970's, asbestos siding was installed on several hundred thousand houses within the United States. The asbestos is not a harmful health risk unless the siding is cracked, damaged or deteriorating. Inspect the siding regularly and replace any damaged tiles with non-asbestos versions.
Should the siding have to be removed, it should be done by a professional who will follow all applicable ordinances regarding the handling and disposal of asbestos containing products. This is necessary because the dust created during removal may be laced with asbestos which can enter the lungs and cause mesothelioma.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recommended guidelines for the proper care and maintenance of asbestos tile. The tiles should be inspected on a regular basis to identify damage that requires repair. The EPA suggests that bumpers or shrubs be used to protect asbestos siding from damages. Should damage occur, replace the tile with a non-asbestos containing version. Small cracks can be repaired with Portland cement or epoxy. Tiles that are dirty can be washed with a mild detergent or a diluted mix of glycerin and oxalic acid. Be sure to wear a dust mask when working around asbestos siding.
Yes, new cladding can be placed over asbestos cladding without removing it. However, care must be taken not to create asbestos dust while doing this, as could happen if a hole were drilled into it. In addition, for future reference and the safety of future construction workers, a means must be provided to ensure that knowledge of the covered asbestos is preserved and is communicated to anyone working on the cladding who might disturbe that material. Proper installtion of such a covering is best done by a crew experienced with asbestos protection methods. In some jurisdictions, certified asbestos workers may be required. What is written above is correct, although may not completely answer the question if you have asbestos siding on your home and you would like to remove and/or cover it up. My suggestion is not to cover it up as you will definitely be causing more issues in the long run. If you have a standard asbestos siding they are between a 1 foot by 2 feet. These are not made of asbestos entirely (Mostly cement) and will not produce air born particles unless it is sanded, cut, drilled, or cracked. You must always take caution and beware of state or provincial law in your area if you begin to remove this siding units. They are normally nailed and they usually pop right off the wall as homewrap was not used at the time and the board and/or planks often are extremely dry or extremely damp and the nails usually pull right out. You should were a P100 mask at all times and a tyvek type suit. I do not recommend doing this on your own although you can if you take the proper percautions. Be careful and do not rush or begin the job until you are ready and prepared. Drapping a home will only be necessary if you have vermiculite asbestos insulation to remove as this is very hazardous and will require a pro team to take care of this. They have specialty vacuums and specialty filters.
Asbestos.
- Wiping the glass with cloth - Removing the glass during cleaning
Asbestos is removed with create care by trained people using methods that are designed to prevent release of asbestos fibers to the air, and to control and capture any that are released. No one who is not trained and equipped to do this should attempt asbestos removal.
It is care that is proper.
An asbestos test should always be performed by trained professionals with the correct safety equipment as asbestos is harmful to human health. However, samples can be taken by a layperson if care is taken, and then sent to a laboratory for testing.
Asbestos should be handled with care, to avoid making it dusty and to avoid making it airborn. This usually involves using misting techniques to keep it damp. Only trained and qualified individuals should handle asbestos-containing materials.
my friend you need a lot more than a mask. you have to call an asbestos removal company to safely remove the asbestos. don't fool around with asbestos. take a tip from one who was exposed to a lot of asbestos before it was deemed unhealthy and now has copd as a result. this is one time to pay the qualified personnal to take care of this problem
Beside the Environmental Impact on the area, asbestos in generally 'Open Cast Mined', this will mean that potentially, the fibres could become airbourne relatively easily. I am sure that the companies who mine asbestos monitor the situation greatly but i wouldn't advise walking around an asbestos mine without great care.
You wold join asbestos pipe and iron pipe with great care, being sure to avoid disturbing the asbestos pipe or releasing dust. The best solution would be to remove the asbestos pipe (following established procedures to ensure it is done properly, by qualified people) and run new pipe.
Proper feeding, proper clothing with care on hygiene and peaceful atmosphere.