Mask for removing Asbestos
What is the best mask to buy when removing asbestos shingles/siding on my house? (I don't want a debate on the legality of the issue.) DUal cartridge respirator with a properly fitted sealing face and no facial hair, as the air you breathe will follow the path of least resistance, and facial hair is a much easier filter to go through than the cartridges on the filter. N/100 or better on the NIOSH rating. WHen you put the respirator on, cover both filters with your hands and try to breathe in. If you can't get any air, it's sealed. whether legal or not, asbestos flooring and asbestos siding are the two of the least hazardous things to do as a diy remediation and are allowed to be done by the homeowner in most states. If I were you, I'd certainly follow the rules of your locality, and if that requires a permit, do it, because if you don't, and you are caught, you could be in a world of trouble, even more so if they are dumped in a regular landfill. Just don't break them, grind them, sand them. Hose down an area you are going to pull and dispose of them properly. Intact, the chances of anything becoming friable are very slim. Double bag them and seal the bags, mark do not open/asbestos/danger. A quick phonecall to your local offices should steer you in the right direction. Great, thanks for the advice and recommendations. I did find a Mask here... http://www.websoft-solutions.net/asb..._p/3m-2091.htm Food for thought. In the event one doesn't want to go through all that work there is an effective alternative that would leave the siding where it is and coat it with a certified biohazzard encapsulator. There is a product called Rust Grip which was used to encapsulate lead based painted housing as opposed to removing it. One could then simply go over top of this system with whatever they choose. you can buy the mask at any of the box stores or probably your local hardware store - they aren't hard to find. like Tilebri said, it's a very doable DIY job. The main thing is don't go crazy with hammers and saws that cause the shingles to break up - that's where you get the dust and that's where the hazard of asbestos comes in. Take your time and try to remove whole shingles. Get the heavy 3-mil bags and don't overload them, and GENTLY put the pieces in the bag. As mentioned, some areas require a double bag so make a phone call. your state probably has a website where you can get most of what you need, and probably the location of landfills that will accept asbestos. Here in AZ the web lists about 2 pages of rules that look pretty daunting until you get almost to the bottom where it basically tells you to ignore everything you just read if you are a homeowner doing your own home. remember - dust is your enemy! you can even keep a hose handy to spray things down while you're working. In the end, I found it much easier to dispose of the asbestos than my last oil change or a can of leftover paint. what does that tell you?. Asbestos siding and all asbestos in homes is safest and best if encapsulated. In other words, cover the siding and do not disturb it. Do not take the risk of exposure. So, if you are successfully masked and remove the asbestos siding, then there is the issue of disposal. And, there is also the issue of neighbors who love to rat on people who violate the laws. State laws tend to vary. Find out what they are before you begin your project. You will also need to know if there is an asbestos approved landfill in your area. If the local laws and disposal issues are in your favor, place plastic drop cloths around house to avoid soil contamination. Keep others away from the area. Make sure you do not track the material into the house. Use a respirator that will filter out asbestos fibers to protect yourself. Read the respirator manufacturer's instructions for proper use and fit and wear protective clothing that you can dispose of when finished with the project. . Wet the materials down with a mixture of detergent and water to increase the water's ability to soak into the material. Keep wetting while you are doing the removal and keep it wet until you place it in disposal containers. Avoid breaking up the roofing or siding. Keep disturbance to a minimum. Lower the materials to the ground. Do not drop them. Place all waste and contaminated items in leak-tight bags, drums or wrap in 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. Wash off the tools you used. Any skin exposed should be thoroughly washed to remove potential contamination. Dispose of clothing. Do not proceed if your local waste company will not haul or dispose of material. If they don't do it and you can locate an approved landfill, you will have to transport and dispose of it yourself. If you proceed, please find an approved asbestos landfill in your area. Please post back on your DIY project so that our members can benefit from your research and experience.
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