Disarming Asbestos Without Removing It

The following topic is discussed on our members' asbestos page.

      When asbestos is inhaled, the fibers can cause asbestosis, stiffening of lung tissue that contributes to heart disease and lung cancer. Because of this risk, the EPA mandated the removal of asbestos from schools, hospitals, and thousands of other buildings in the U.S.. It has been a costly, time-consuming, and dangerous process.
      To prevent asbestos fibers from escaping in the air as areas are being cleaned, they must be sealed in pressurized tents. Workers in protective gear use their hands to scrape out the asbestos substance, which must be disposed of as a hazardous material.
      Recently, the EPA revised their mandate and began recommending "containment" rather than removal; much as they have done with lead-based paint in rental housing.

The above topic is discussed on our members' asbestos page.