If you’re dealing with asbestos in your Atlanta-area home, you’re not alone — and you’re right to take it seriously. Many older homes and buildings in and around Atlanta still contain asbestos-based products, putting residents at risk for serious health issues, including diseases like mesothelioma. At Environmental Services of America (ES America), we understand the dangers of asbestos and the complexities of its removal. Here are answers to the five most common questions we hear, so you can make informed decisions about your property’s safety.
1. What Are the Dangers of Asbestos Removal?
If you’re thinking about removing asbestos from your home, your instinct to be cautious is exactly right. Asbestos exposure is extremely hazardous and can lead to deadly diseases like mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses. What makes asbestos particularly dangerous is that the fibers are microscopic — improper removal can release them into the air, where anyone nearby could inhale them and face severe health consequences years later.
This is why the EPA strongly advises against touching or disturbing damaged asbestos-containing materials on your own. Even a small disturbance can send those tiny fibers into the air, creating an invisible hazard in your home.
Working with a licensed asbestos abatement company like ES America is always the safest path forward. Our trained and licensed technicians use specialized equipment and proven techniques to contain and remove asbestos without putting you or your family at risk.
If you’ve already been exposed to damaged or crumbling asbestos, it’s important to monitor your health closely. Early detection of asbestos-related diseases can make a real difference in outcomes.
2. Do All Asbestos-Based Products Need to Be Removed?
Not necessarily — and this is actually reassuring news for many homeowners. The EPA states that asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and are not disturbed are not likely to pose a health risk. If the material is intact and undamaged, the safest approach is generally to leave it alone.
However, if the asbestos-containing material is friable — meaning it’s crumbling, damaged, or breaks apart easily — it becomes a significant health hazard. Friable asbestos can release fibers into the air when disturbed, putting everyone nearby at serious risk. In those cases, removal is necessary.
If you suspect you have friable asbestos in your home, limit access to that area and call a professional. ES America can assess the condition of the asbestos and recommend the safest course of action, whether that’s removal, encapsulation, or simply monitoring the material over time.
3. Can You Legally Remove Asbestos Yourself?
In some situations — particularly in single-family homes — you may legally be permitted to remove asbestos on your own. However, this is not something we recommend. While there is no federal law explicitly prohibiting homeowners from doing it themselves, some state and local regulations do require proper training and certification for anyone handling asbestos.
Even where DIY removal is technically allowed, attempting it without professional experience significantly increases your risk of fiber exposure. Without the right equipment, protective gear, and disposal procedures, you could accidentally contaminate your home and endanger yourself and others.
For the safest and most effective result, the EPA recommends hiring a licensed asbestos abatement company. ES America is fully licensed and trained to handle asbestos removal safely and in compliance with all regulations — so the job gets done right the first time.
4. Can I Stay in My House During Asbestos Removal?
In most cases, no — and this is for your protection. The asbestos removal process involves isolating and sealing off contaminated areas, running negative air pressure machines, and carefully removing asbestos materials to prevent any fiber release. Because the health risks are real, it’s safest for you and your family to vacate the property until the work is fully complete.
At ES America, we prioritize your safety at every step. We ask homeowners to leave the premises while our team works, and we ensure the home is thoroughly decontaminated before anyone returns.
5. How Much Does It Cost to Remove Asbestos?
The cost of asbestos removal depends on several factors that are unique to your property and situation.
One of the main considerations is the type of material containing asbestos. For example, removing asbestos from vinyl floor tiles generally costs less and involves a different procedure than removing asbestos from pipe insulation or roofing shingles. Some materials, such as popcorn ceilings, may be easier to address, while others — like asbestos in crawlspaces — may require more labor-intensive methods.
Another key factor is the amount of asbestos involved. Asbestos abatement is usually priced per square foot or linear foot, so the larger the contaminated area, the higher the overall cost. The location and accessibility of the material also matter — asbestos in hard-to-reach places adds complexity and time to the project.
Additional costs to plan for include disposal fees, post-removal air quality testing, and the time and labor involved in the abatement process. Although asbestos removal may seem like a significant investment, consider this: the cost of treating asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma can exceed $400,000 in medical bills alone. Proper removal now is far less costly than the alternative.
To get an accurate estimate tailored to your specific situation, reach out to ES America for a professional assessment. We’ll evaluate your property, walk you through your options, and provide a detailed quote — with no pressure and no surprises.
We’re here to help you protect what matters most. Email us at services@es-america.com and let’s start the conversation.