Removing Asbestos in Atlanta and Surrounding Areas: 5 Key Questions

Many older homes and buildings in Atlanta and the surrounding areas 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. This guide answers the most common questions about asbestos removal to help you make informed decisions about your property’s safety.

1. What Are the Dangers of Asbestos Removal?

If you’re considering removing asbestos from your home, you’re likely concerned about the health risks it poses. 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 these fibers into the air, where they can be inhaled by anyone nearby, potentially causing severe health problems later in life.

This is why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly advises against attempting to remove or even touch damaged asbestos-containing materials. Disturbing asbestos without proper precautions can easily send these tiny fibers into the air, where they become an invisible hazard.

For this reason, it is always best to work with a professional asbestos abatement company, like ES AMERICA, to ensure that any removal is done safely and in accordance with federal and local regulations. Our trained and licensed technicians use specialized equipment and techniques to contain and remove asbestos without compromising the safety of the home’s occupants.

If you’ve already been exposed to damaged or crumbling asbestos, it’s crucial to monitor your health closely. Early detection of asbestos-related diseases can improve outcomes, and in some cases, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses.

2. Do All Asbestos-Based Products Need to Be Removed?

Not all asbestos-based products need to be removed. The EPA states that asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and not disturbed are not likely to pose a health risk. Therefore, the safest approach for materials that are intact and undamaged is to leave them alone.

However, if the asbestos-containing materials are friable (meaning they are crumbling, damaged, or easily broken apart), they become a significant health hazard. These materials can release asbestos fibers into the air when disturbed, posing a serious risk to anyone in the vicinity. In these cases, removal is necessary to protect the health of the building’s occupants.

If you suspect that you have friable asbestos in your home, it’s important to limit access to the area and consult a professional asbestos abatement company. ES AMERICA can help you assess the condition of the asbestos and recommend the safest course of action, whether it’s removal, encapsulation, or simply monitoring the material.

Contact ES AMERICA for Professional Asbestos Removal
If you suspect asbestos in your home or need professional removal services, reach out to Environmental Services Of America (ES AMERICA). We specialize in asbestos testing and abatement across Atlanta and throughout Georgia. Contact us at (706) 661-0487, visit our website at www.es-america.com, or email us at [email protected] to schedule an inspection or to discuss your asbestos concerns.
Asbestos removal is not a task to take lightly. With ES AMERICA, you can trust that your home and family are in safe hands. Let us help you navigate this process safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with all regulations.

3. Can You Legally Remove Asbestos Yourself?

In some situations, particularly in single-family homes, you may legally be able to remove asbestos yourself. However, this is not recommended. While there is no federal law explicitly prohibiting homeowners from removing asbestos on their own, some state and local regulations require proper training and certification for anyone handling asbestos.

Even if you live in an area that permits DIY asbestos removal, attempting it without professional experience can increase your risk of exposure to asbestos fibers. Without the right equipment, protective gear, and disposal procedures, you could inadvertently contaminate your home and put yourself and others at risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses.

For the safest and most effective asbestos removal, the EPA recommends hiring a licensed asbestos abatement company. At ES AMERICA, we are fully licensed and trained to handle asbestos removal safely and in compliance with all regulations, ensuring the job is done right the first time.

4. Can I Stay in My House During Asbestos Removal?

In most cases, you cannot stay in your house during asbestos removal. The process involves isolating and sealing off contaminated areas, using negative air pressure machines, and carefully removing the asbestos materials to prevent fiber release. Because of the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, it is safer for homeowners and their families to vacate the property until the work is completed.

At ES AMERICA, we prioritize your health and safety during every step of the removal process. We require homeowners to leave the premises while our team works, ensuring that the asbestos is safely removed and the home is thoroughly decontaminated before allowing re-entry.

5. How Much Does It Cost to Remove Asbestos?

The cost of asbestos removal varies depending on several factors. 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 remove, while others, like asbestos in crawlspaces, may require more labor-intensive methods.

Another key factor is the amount of asbestos to be removed. Asbestos abatement is usually priced per square foot or linear foot, so the larger the contaminated area, the higher the cost. Additionally, the location and accessibility of the asbestos-containing material play a role; if the asbestos is in hard-to-reach places, the removal will be more complex and expensive.

Additional Costs: Other factors include disposal fees, post-removal air quality testing, and the time and labor involved in the abatement process. Although asbestos removal may seem costly, remember that it is a necessary investment in health and safety. The cost of removing asbestos is far less than the potential medical expenses for treating asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, which can exceed $400,000 just for medical bills.

To get an accurate estimate tailored to your specific situation, contact ES AMERICA for a professional assessment. We’ll evaluate your property, discuss your options, and provide a detailed quote for the removal process.