Asbestos Duct Removal

Asbestos is a mineral that was once used to insulate buildings but which has since been abandoned due to the health risks it poses when released into the air. Asbestos was formerly used in wall insulation and around air ducts due to its heat-resistant abilities. The removal of asbestos-lined ducts is important in old homes, but certain precautions should be followed.

Taking a Sample

• Determine first whether the ducts in your home contain asbestos by taking a sample. Spray the ducts that you believe have asbestos in them with water with a few drops of dishwashing detergent mixed in. Use one cup of detergent for every 20 gallons as a guide. Scrape some of the sprayed area and seal it in a plastic bag. Send the sample off to an asbestos testing lab. Contact your local health association or the Department of Environmental Quality to find a lab.

Tools

• If there is asbestos found in the duct, it's advisable not to remove it yourself. If you do decide to remove the asbestos yourself, however, find an expert to help you. You cannot legally pay the person helping you remove the asbestos unless they are a trained and certified asbestos-removal professional. If it is your property and someone volunteers to help you, you assume all responsibility for any health issues that may arise.

  When removing the duct, you must wear regulation safety equipment. You will need to wear disposable overalls, as well as HEPA-filter respirators, rubber gloves and boots (as well as adequate eye protection). You will also need liquid detergent, 2 to 3 gallons of liquid spray, putty knifes, plastic sheets, asbestos disposal bags, duct tape and disposable rags.

Removal

• Remove anything that may absorb dust from the room you are clearing the duct from, including furniture. Cover the floor with a plastic sheet. Cut off all electrical power to the area, as well as any air-circulating devices that may be running on gas. If you need light for the area, use a source that is not directly wired to a circuit within the room.

  Wet the asbestos with the detergent mixture and allow it to soak into the asbestos covering. The liquid keeps the asbestos from entering the air as dust particles. Scrape the asbestos off of the pipe using the putty knife. It is important that you remove all of it: If it dries, it may become dust and contaminate the house. Once the asbestos has been removed, dispose all plastic and your overalls into approved containers. All workers should shower to remove any traces of asbestos.