Can you legally remove asbestos yourself?
If you think you have asbestos in your house, you probably want it out as soon as possible.
In order to save some money, you consider removing it yourself instead of hiring an experienced asbestos removal company to do the job on your behalf.
But is this legal? Read on to find out.
Is It Legal to Remove Asbestos Yourself?
Yes, it’s legal to remove asbestos on your own. There are no federal laws prohibiting you to remove asbestos by yourself, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) won’t stop you.
That said, removing asbestos on your own is incredibly dangerous.
When you breathe in asbestos particles, you put yourself at risk for lung diseases, permanent scarring, and mesotheliomia—an aggressive lung cancer that’s often fatal.
State vs. Federal Asbestos Removal Regulations
While the federal government doesn’t have strict asbestos removal laws, you need to make sure you comply with your state and local laws.
It’s generally ok for you to “legally” remove small amounts of asbestos on your own in a detached single-family home (even though it’s not safe). But many states require:
- Professional licensing for asbestos removal
- Specific asbestos disposal procedures at certified facilities
- Notification requirements before removal begins
- Air quality testing before and after removal
Always verify your local regulations before you attempt to remove asbestos on your own.
The EPA has a full list of asbestos contacts for all 50 states, which you can view here for more information.
Common Situations When Professional Removal is Required
There are certain instances where you may be required by law to hire a licensed asbestos removal company, including:
- Asbestos removal in commercial properties and businesses
- Removing asbestos in an apartment or condo
- Large-scale removals
- Friable asbestos removal (that easily crumbles)
- Asbestos removal from HVAC systems
If you’re going to hire a professional to handle the removal, you should draft an asbestos contract.
EPA Recommendations For Asbestos Removal
According to the EPA, it’s best to leave asbestos-containing materials alone if they’re in good condition. These are unlikely to pose health risks if they’re undisturbed and not damaged.
The EPA also recommends hiring a trained professional to handle asbestos (despite it being legal in many instances to do it on your own).
Other things to avoid when dealing with asbestos:
- Dusting, sweeping, or vacuuming
- Sawing, scraping, and drilling holes
- Abrasive pads or power strippers
- Sanding or leveling
Overall, the EPA says it’s better to encapsulate or enclose asbestos whenever possible, as opposed to removing it.
Of course, you may be worried that the damage is already done. Asbestos could be found in homes and workplaces all over the state. If you’re suffering from mesothelioma and other ailments due to asbestos exposure, be sure you know your legal options.
Call us at 855-385-9532, locally 502-589-5600, or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation with a Satterley & Kelley PLLC lawyer.