How to Reduce Your Exposure to Asbestos

You can be exposed to asbestos by breathing in asbestos fibers. This happens when you disturb rocks, soil, or products containing asbestos that then release asbestos fibers into the air. If you breathe these fibers into your lungs, they could remain there forever, causing a lifetime of health problems.

But if the asbestos in rocks, soil, or commercial products is not disturbed, you’re unlikely to breathe in fibers and be exposed. So, who is at risk for asbestos exposure? Because asbestos has been used for many years, almost everyone has been exposed to it at some time. But people who worked with asbestos or spent a long time around it will have higher exposure. The following are tips to help keep everyone safe from asbestos exposure.

If you work or live around asbestos or asbestos-containing materials:

• Avoid touching or disturbing the materials unless you’ve been properly trained to safely do so and follow all appropriate regulations.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• If where you live has aging insulation, siding, or materials that may contain asbestos or has vermiculite attic insulation, avoid disturbing the materials.
• If the materials are breaking down or need to be replaced, talk to your local or Colorado environmental agency or Cyclone Kleen Up, a certified asbestos contractor, about having the asbestos safely removed.
• To avoid contaminating your house and the environment with asbestos, hire a respected contractor like Cyclone Kleen Up who will strictly follow all laws for asbestos removal and disposal.

If you live in an area with natural asbestos deposits or near an area contaminated by old asbestos-containing products, keep asbestos levels low in your home by:

• Using wet cleaning methods and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum to clean
• Using doormats
• Removing shoes before entering
• Keeping windows closed on windy days to keep asbestos out

If you work or play outside in areas with natural asbestos deposits or near areas contaminated by old asbestos-containing products, reduce your exposure by:

• Avoiding dust
• Using water to wet soil before gardening or planting or before team sports events
• Spraying your patio with water instead of sweeping it
• Staying on pavement or ground covered with grass or mulch

If you want more information on limiting your environmental exposure to asbestos, or if you have specific questions, contact the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) or TTY 888-232-6348. ATSDR’s website for asbestos has more information and links to other resources.

For safe asbestos abatement and removal in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and the surrounding area, contact Cyclone Kleen Up today!