What Are the Risks Associated With Leaving Asbestos in Place Versus Removing it Completely?

Why Asbestos Risk Is a Real Concern

Asbestos carries a bad reputation today. If the materials containing asbestos are disturbed, cut, drilled, sanded, or damaged, they release microscopic fibers into the air. Breathing in these fibers is dangerous for human beings. 

Common Asbestos Health Effects Include:

Asbestos health effects are serious once inhaled, microscopic asbestos fibers lodge in the lungs and never break down. They can cause:

• Asbestosis: A chronic scarring lung disease that causes shortness of breath and reduced lung function.
• Lung Cancer: Prolonged exposure, especially for smokers, significantly increases risk.
• Mesothelioma: A rare, aggressive cancer of the lung or abdominal lining, almost always caused by asbestos exposure.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there is no “safe” level of asbestos exposure. Even short-term exposure can be harmful, and asbestos-related diseases may take 20-30 years to appear. That’s the reason managing asbestos is a high-stakes decision.

Option 1: Leaving Asbestos in Place

If there is asbestos-containing material (ACM) in your property and an inspector suggests leaving it in place, you may be surprised. In many cases, leaving asbestos undisturbed is less hazardous than disturbing it. Professionals often recommend a strategy called “management in place” when the asbestos-containing material is in good condition. 

When Leaving Asbestos May Be Appropriate

The following are some conditions in which a professional asbestos inspector may recommend leaving the material:

• Non-Friable Condition: If asbestos is tightly bound in materials like vinyl tiles or cement sheets, fibers are less likely to become airborne.
• Undisturbed Areas: If the asbestos is hidden behind walls, above ceilings, or under floors, and you have no plans for renovation.
• Encapsulated Materials: Sometimes ACM is sealed with a special coating. Reducing the risk of fiber release.

Pros of Leaving It in Place

If there is no action needed, and you decide to leave the ACM as per the recommendation of the expert, there will be a few of these benefits:

• Lower Immediate Risk: As long as the material is stable and sealed, it’s unlikely to pose a threat, so it is safer to leave it in place.
• More Affordable: Ongoing monitoring is significantly less expensive than a complete removal plan.
• Avoid Unnecessary Disturbance: Attempting removal when there is no need could actually create more risk than leaving it in place.

Risks of Leaving It in Place

If the material that needs to be removed is left in place, it can lead to:

• Aging and Deterioration: Over time, even stable materials can break down, increasing the risk of exposure.
• Unexpected Disturbances: A water leak, fire, or DIY project could suddenly damage ACM and release fibers.
• Ongoing Responsibility: You’ll need regular inspections and clear documentation for future buyers or tenants.

Option 2: Removing Asbestos Completely

For many property owners, peace of mind comes only when asbestos is gone. If the experts suggest removing asbestos-containing material after an inspection, then it should be removed. Removal, also known as abatement, can eliminate the hazard, but it’s not without challenges.

When Removal Makes Sense

The following are some signs that indicate removal is inevitable:

• Damaged or Crumbling Materials: If asbestos insulation, tiles, or siding are deteriorating, removal is often the safest route.
• Upcoming Renovations: If you plan to remodel your place, asbestos is likely to be disturbed. So, removal is necessary before work begins.
• Resale or Refinancing Concerns: Many buyers and lenders view asbestos as a red flag or liability, so removing it may help make the transaction smoother.

Pros of Removal

Abatement of ACM can help to:

• Permanent Solution: Once safely removed, that material won’t pose a risk in the future.
• Freedom for Renovation: Once the abatement process is done, harmful material is no longer present in your building, you can plan updating without any restrictions.

Risks of Removal

While taking steps to remove ACM, you may face issues like:

• Short-Term Exposure During Work: Improper removal is hazardous. Only the licensed professionals should handle the process.
• High Costs: Removal can range from a few thousand dollars for a single area to tens of thousands for larger projects.
• Temporary Disruption: In many cases, you may need to vacate your property until the job is completed. It is necessary for the safety of residents.

How Professionals Manage Asbestos Removal

Removing asbestos-containing materials isn’t a simple task. Certified asbestos experts follow strict safety procedures to do it:

1. Assessment and testing to confirm the presence and condition of the material
2. Containment by sealing the area to prevent fiber escape
3. Protective gear for workers to work safely
4. Careful removal or encapsulation, depending on the recommendation of experts
5. Proper disposal of the material packed in double-layered bags, labeled, and transported to an approved disposal site
6. Air clearance testing that ensures the property is safe for occupants

Final Thoughts

You can’t neglect asbestos risks. The presence of the material requires making a careful decision. Leaving it in place can be safe under the right conditions, but it comes with ongoing responsibility. Removal provides peace of mind by eliminating future risk, but it’s a costly and disruptive process.

The best way to make a decision is to seek help from an expert. Licensed asbestos inspectors at GreenWorks Inspections can guide you on the most suitable approach, taking into account the condition of your property. So, book your inspection and make your place safe by taking the right step to deal with ACM.