Module 1: Asbestos
Asbestos: what you need to know
We know that after a disaster, you just want your home back to normal—but hidden hazards like asbestos can stand in the way. This short video will explain everything you need to know about asbestos. The bottomline is that it’s more common than you think, but it’s not a dealbreaker.
Testing and abatement: the details
The asbestos abatement can be quite a long process. Here’s some more details on the process:
Testing Process
Step 1: Bulk Sampling: Professionals collect physical pieces of building materials, such as drywall or popcorn ceiling texture. These tests usually provide a straightforward "yes" or "no" regarding the presence of asbestos.
Step 2: Determining the "Extent of the Spill" If your home is still standing or you live in a multi-unit building, the experts need to find out exactly how far the asbestos fibers have traveled. Here are some testing methods used for this step:
Air Sampling: Tests the air you breathe for floating fibers.
Microvacs: Uses specialized vacuums to pull fibers from carpets and fabrics.
Tape Lifts: Uses adhesive to pull fibers from flat surfaces like tables or counters.
Why it matters: This step identifies which rooms are contaminated and helps you decide which of your belongings can be saved and which must be replaced.
Abatement Process
If your home requires asbestos abatement, it means a professional team is coming in to perform a deep, highly controlled "strip-down" of the building materials. This includes:
Total Removal: Workers remove all contaminated materials—like drywall, flooring, and insulation—and seal them in special bags for safe disposal.
Full Containment: To keep the rest of your neighborhood or building safe, the work area is completely sealed off so no dust can escape.
Negative Pressure: They use specialized fans to create "negative pressure," which acts like a vacuum to ensure that any loose asbestos fibers stay inside the work zone and don't drift into the air outside.
Hazmat Gear: Because the fibers are so dangerous to breathe, every worker must wear a full hazmat suit and specialized breathing equipment.
Demo to the Studs: By the time they are finished, the interior of the home is usually stripped down to the wooden frame (the studs).
This whole process can take several months, especially depending on what your state regulations and requirements are for reporting and permitting. The wood framing is also often painted with a white Kilz primer that seals in any smoke odors.