Are you thinking about removing asbestos from your home on your own? Wondering if it’s a wise decision? If so, you’re in the right place.

Read on to decide on whether or not you should carry out DIY asbestos removal in Chicago or its surrounding areas.

The Legality of DIY Asbestos Removal

The first question you may ask yourself is if DIY asbestos removal is even legal. As determined by the federal government of the United States, when it comes to residential settings, the answer is “yes.” When it comes to commercial settings, however, the answer is “no.”

It should be noted, though, that different municipalities have different laws regarding the removal of asbestos. Some communities will not legally allow DIY asbestos removal of any kind, even if you’re removing asbestos from your own home.

Most importantly, if you’re going to try to remove asbestos on your own, you should get legal clarification first. In some cases, depending on where you live, it might even be necessary to obtain a permit of some kind.

The Health Risks of DIY Asbestos Removal

When attempting to remove asbestos on your own, you are inevitably exposing yourself to a number of different health issues. These issues can be very serious and can actually end up being fatal. They are as follows:

Asbestosis

One health issue that can result after exposure to asbestos is asbestosis. This is a non-fatal condition which causes shortness of breath and chest pain, to name just a few symptoms.

In and of itself, asbestosis does nothing more than cause severe pain and irritation. However, in many cases, those who suffer from asbestosis also end up suffering from lung or throat cancer later on. These diseases can be fatal.

Cancer

In some cases, exposure to asbestos can result in cancer. There are two types of cancer generally associated with asbestos: lung cancer and mesothelioma. Both types of cancer can be fatal.

Common symptoms of these cancers include chest pain, excess coughing, and shortness of breath. These symptoms will typically be more severe than they are with asbestosis.

Pleural Effusion

Another health problem which can be caused by asbestos is pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is a condition which essentially involves fluid buildup in the lungs.

While pleural effusion itself is not a fatal disease, it can often be an early warning sign of cancer—mesothelioma, in particular.

DIY Asbestos Removal Precautions

Be warned: DIY asbestos removal can be dangerous. If you’re going to give it a go, there are certain precautions which you should take in order to protect yourself as much as possible.

It’s absolutely vital that you wear the proper protective gear. In addition to wearing a snug-fitting protective mask, you should also wear coveralls, safety goggles, boots, and gloves. The less exposed you are to the asbestos, the better.

It’s also important to carry out the task without the use of power tools. Power tools function too aggressively for products which contain asbestos, breaking them down and releasing the toxic particle into the air. Instead, you should work by hand.

When removing asbestos, it’s recommended that you work as gently and as deliberately as possible. The goal is to remove the affected items without causing them to deteriorate in any way.

So, What Does this Mean?

To sum it up, we’re going to say this: we highly advise against removing asbestos on your own. Doing so poses an unnecessary danger which could easily avoid by calling in a professional asbestos abatement company.

Are you interested in utilizing professional asbestos removal services in Chicago or its surrounding areas? If so, we here at Axis Response Group are the people to see.

Contact us today to get started!