Asbestos

Marguerite ~ From Brooklyn ~

Dear Everyone,

The pipe in my boiler room closest to the boiler is insulated with asbestos. There is approximately 20 feet of it. Some of the asbestos is now drying out from age and is opening up like a flower blossom. Other areas show signs of other types of corrosion. I am concerned if this is a real health risk or not, because it is beginning to deteriorate? I am worried about it.

When I purchased my home, the engineer who inspected it apprised me of the asbestos situation. He said that there was so little of it that I should not be concerned and just leave it alone. I purchased my home 10 years ago this past October.

But, now the asbestos is not in as good condition as it was then. I was thinking I should have it removed and replace it with the Fiberglass, 1-inch wall insulation. Should I do this? Or, is it better to leave well enough alone?

Additionally, a general contractor advised me, that we should just wet down the asbestos thoroughly and wear a protective respirator and we could remove it ourselves. Is this at all advisable???? I would think not.

Does anyone know an asbestos removal professional that I can contact in the New York City area that would come and remove it? Preferably some one whose fees are not exorbitant to remedy the situation.

Any advice on the topic would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks and take care.

Best regards,

~ Marguerite ~
From Brooklyn

Bryan_11

Time to do some research....

I have been researching this very topic lately. I would have a professional mitigate the asbestos. There are newer ways to encapsulate the asbestos properly, rather than remove it, that may be a better option. A qualified contractor can let you know. Get knowledgeable about what the work entails so you can make sure you get a contractor who does things properly.

In most states, you need to find a licensed asbestos contractor. He will need to obtain the necessary permits and knows what to do. Generally the area must be sealed off, only trained personnel may enter during the removal, and they need to wear approved clothing/protection that is sealed. In my state, the state DEP must receive notification (simple form) of the removal in addition to the permits. Finally, a proper air test must be done afterwards. Remember though, an air test won't detect asbestos that has settled out of the air.

The only exception to these rules in my state is small amounts, defined as less than 3 feet of pipe.

I would absolutely * RUN *, not walk, away from the general contractor who said you can "just wear a respirator and wet it, than remove the asbestos." Run away fast! That is a sure disaster.

Asbestos fibers, while harmless if not breathed, cause terrible problems to human lungs. Unfortunately asbestos can be extremely dusty if disturbed. The fibers remain in the lungs for decades and cause the body to react with the fibers , producing substances that are extremely mutagenic. It can take years from exposure to diagnosis. Sure you can take shortcuts, but what is your life worth to you?

Marguerite ~ From Brooklyn ~

Reply To: Time to do some research . . .

Dear Bryan,

Thank you for your prompt and informative reply to my posting.

I live in Brooklyn, New York. Where do you live?

You have given me a good start and have me thinking about many things, some of which I may not have thought about. I didn’t know that there are newer ways to encapsulate the asbestos properly, rather than removing it. I agree that this is a better option. This approach sounds like the safest, least complicated and least expensive route. And, I wouldn’t have to worry about the asbestos spreading through my home. I am surprised that an air test won't detect asbestos that has settled out of the air.

I realized that I would need a knowledgeable and licensed professional to do the job. I had no idea that permits may be involved. I knew that they had to seal things off and wear protective garments. It never dawned on me that I might have to notify any state or city agencies about the removal.

After reading your posting, I have decided to call the Board of Health and Department of Buildings to get information on asbestos and how to go about getting it removed my house. They may have asbestos removal companies that they recommend.

I knew that asbestos could cause lung cancer. I did not know that once disturbed it becomes very dusty. (This must be the reason why the Engineer who did the inspection on my home said to just leave it alone.) I also didn’t know that it could take years before the harmful affects on the body are known.

I have been worried about it. Gee, now I am really concerned about the deterioration of the asbestos. I wonder if it is in a state that it has become air borne already. I have lived with it for ten years now. Maybe I should have that air test done, before I do anything else.

Once again, thank you for your advice. I really appreciate it. Take care.

Best regards,

~ Marguerite ~
From Brooklyn

Firedragon_4

You can also encapsulate it yourself

by buying fiberglass casting tape from a drug supply. It's the stuff they make casts for broken legs and such from. Dries harder than a rock, does the job and is cheap. Just make sure to read the directions, wear a dust mask and gloves and you'll be fine. We do this all of the time and never have had a problem. Good luck!

Bryan_11

Don't panic....

but asbestos is definately something that deserves a lot of respect. You are probably quite safe if the pipe wasn't greatly disturbed. Asbestos is also more of a risk for people who smoke than who don't smoke as well. It's really harmless stuff as long as it is not airborne. In fact, firemen use the stuff in their clothing because it is such an excellent non-flammable insulator. Floor tiles containing asbestos that is not friable are still made, and ususally don't cause problems or even require permits for removal. But other uses of asbestos can usually become friable, such as pipe insulation.

I live in Mass. Our state has some good information online at http://www.ago.state.ma.us/environment/asbestos.pdf
It might be helpful for you, as the general guidelines should be the same anywhere. I tried to find something similar for NYC/NYS but nothing jumped out at me after a brief search.

Another item to consider is disposal, but the asbestos contractor should know how to do this. (You can't just put it in the trash, esp. if your trash is incinerated.)

When searching for info on asbestos, you have to filter out all the lawyers that crave lawsuits for the stuff, even where it never posed a true health problem. Just put a -litigation in your google search

Finally, if you hire anybody to work on asbestos, be sure to double check yourself that they are licensed. The City or State should be able to check this with a phone call, maybe even online.

JimGPE_3

Yep.

If you decide to abate, a good/ethical contractor is critical. No matter where this stuff goes, you will always own it. If you have a good/ethical contractor who disposes of it legally, you're probably fine. If he dumps it beside the road somewhere and they can trace it to you, you'll probably have to pay to clean up the site.

Mad Dog

Don't make the foolish move, sis! get a pro in there

Call Rich or Dan @ Abatement concepts on long Island. They also go in to the city, I believe. They are very thorough asbestos abatement contractors - the only ones I'll recommend. 1-800-561-1171 tell them Matt from Triple Crown sent ya. good luck and leave it to the pros. Mad Dog

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Mad Dog

I try not to be an alarmist, but asbestos encapsualtion

should be best left the certified abatement contractors. I held the license in the City of New York about 15 years ago. Regular dust masks will not stop asbestos fibers. We see people who do their own encapsulations and removals all the time, and rarely do they follow even basic rules. I try to warn them before they do it, but many won't listen. Even after i tell them that if they or worse yet their kid gets Mesothelioma or asbestosis in 20 years they will feel tremendous guilt. Oh well,they were warned. Mad Dog

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Bryan_11

How do you know if...

a previously done asbestos removal job was done right? The 1920's era house I am living in had asbestos removed around the steam lines in basement a few months before I moved in. I noticed a coating of white dust on top of the steam pipes and it seems the basement (e.g. the new boiler) is very dusty, even for a basement. Hopefully everything was done right by a competent pro and there are no asbestos fibers left behind, but how can you really tell?

Dave DeFord

Only one way that I know of...

have it tested. You might talk to the local health dept. about any programs they may have.

Marguerite ~ From Brooklyn ~

To Everyone Who Has Replied To Asbestos Posting (Or Will Reply)

Dear Everyone,

I've had several wonderful responses to the posting on my asbestos situation. Therefore, it is difficult to respond to each one to thank you and express my comments. So here it is my thank you to all of you.

Thank you so very, very much. I appreciate your informative and kind advice, your concern for my health, and recommendations on how to go about the removal or containment of the asbestos, as well as referrals to qualified professionals in my area.

I want you to know that I will not attempt to remedy the situation by myself. I will hire a qualified professional to take care of the situation. I think that if it can be encapsulated and left in place that is the best solution because it will be the least risk to our health in terms of asbestos going airborne and it will be the most economical solution.

Before I act, I want to do more research and be as educated about this whole thing as possible. I think that I should call the Board of Health and the Department of Buildings and get as much information on everything from them. I also want to check out websites, etc.

I welcome additional comments from everyone on anything to do with the topic such as, sources for research (i.e., websites, organizations, government agencies, etc.), including your personal experiences.

Once again, I can’t thank you all enough. You guys and gals are terrific! Take care.

Best regards,

~ Marguerite ~
From Brooklyn