Asbestos siding was commonly used in the construction of homes from the 1920s to the 1980s due to its durability and fire-resistant properties. However, the use of asbestos has been linked to serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. If you have asbestos siding on your home and are planning to remove it, it is important to dispose of it properly to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers. Here is a guide on how to safely dispose of asbestos siding:
- Contact Your Local Environmental Agency
Before starting any asbestos removal work, it is important to contact your local environmental agency to find out the regulations regarding the disposal of asbestos in your area. They may require you to obtain a permit for asbestos removal or provide specific guidelines on how to dispose of the asbestos-containing material.
- Hire a Professional Asbestos Removal Company
Asbestos removal is a hazardous task and should be handled by professionals who are trained and equipped to handle it safely. You can find a list of licensed asbestos removal companies in your area by contacting your local environmental agency or searching online.
- Package the Asbestos Siding Properly
The asbestos siding should be carefully packaged in airtight, leak-proof containers to prevent the release of asbestos fibers. Use heavy-duty plastic bags or wrap the siding in plastic sheeting and seal with duct tape. Make sure the bags are properly labeled as containing asbestos.
- Transport the Asbestos Siding Safely
Transport the asbestos siding to an approved disposal facility using a vehicle with a covered bed or trailer. Do not use a vehicle with an open bed as it can release asbestos fibers into the air during transport.
- Dispose of the Asbestos Siding at an Approved Facility
Disposal of asbestos siding is heavily regulated, and it can only be disposed of at an approved facility. Your local environmental agency or licensed asbestos removal company can provide you with a list of approved facilities in your area.
- Follow Local Regulations
When disposing of asbestos siding, it is important to follow all local regulations, including those related to transportation, storage, and disposal. Failure to do so can result in fines and penalties.
- Never Attempt to Burn Asbestos Siding
Asbestos siding should never be burned as it can release asbestos fibers into the air, posing a serious health risk to anyone nearby. Burning asbestos siding is also illegal and can result in fines and penalties.
In summary, it is important to handle asbestos siding carefully and dispose of it properly to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers. Contact your local environmental agency for guidance on how to dispose of asbestos siding in your area and consider hiring a professional asbestos removal company to handle the job safely.