ABA Family Legal Guide

Home Ownership

Property Insurance and Other Protections

Environmental Issues

What should I do about asbestos in my home?

If the asbestos-containing material is in good shape--not flaking or peeling--and not likely to be disturbed, the best thing to do is leave it in place. But if it's going to be scraped, hammered, sawed, or otherwise disturbed in a remodeling project, a trained professional should be contacted to find a way to minimize the dissemination of the material.

Since total removal is expensive and difficult, intermediate options include applying a sealant or covering it with a protective wrap or jacket. It's tricky business, and even the cleanup needs to be done with a special vacuum cleaner to avoid scattering asbestos fibers. Don't try any of this yourself. Make sure the contractors you hire don't track it through the house or break the old material into small pieces.

To avoid conflict of interest, anyone you hire to survey your house for asbestos shouldn't be connected to an asbestos correction firm. The federal government, as well as some state and local governments, offers training courses for asbestos consultants and contractors. Ask to see documentation proving that everyone working with asbestos in your home has completed state or federal training.