Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Asbestos Abatement
What is asbestos and why is it dangerous?
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral once used in insulation, floor tiles, roofing, and fireproofing materials. When disturbed, it releases tiny fibers that can cause serious lung diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and cancer. It’s only hazardous when damaged or disturbed — that’s why professional handling is critical.
How do I know if my home or building contains asbestos?
The only way to confirm asbestos is through professional inspection and laboratory testing. Buildings constructed before the mid-1980s often contain asbestos in ceiling tiles, floor tiles, pipe insulation, roofing materials, and boiler insulation. We can perform testing and provide a detailed report outlining where asbestos is present and the best next steps.
Can I remove asbestos myself?
No. In most states, it’s illegal and unsafe for unlicensed individuals to remove asbestos. Professionals like us follow strict federal, state, and local regulations (EPA, OSHA, and NJDEP compliance) to ensure safe removal, proper containment, and legal disposal.
What’s the difference between residential and commercial asbestos abatement?
Residential abatement typically involves smaller-scale work inside homes — like removing asbestos floor tile, attic insulation, or boiler wrap.
Commercial and industrial projects often involve large-scale containment, air monitoring, and coordination with general contractors and environmental consultants. The principles are the same, but commercial projects require more extensive planning and safety documentation.
How long does asbestos removal take?
It depends on the size and complexity of the job.
Residential projects (like a small basement or floor tile job) may take 1–3 days.
Commercial or industrial projects may take several days to weeks, depending on the scope and site access.
Do I have to leave during the abatement process?
Yes, for safety reasons. During active removal, the area is sealed off and placed under negative air pressure. Occupants (including pets) must stay out of the work zone until clearance air testing confirms it’s safe to re-enter.
What does the asbestos abatement process include?
A standard project involves:
Site preparation and containment setup
Air filtration using HEPA equipment
Safe removal of asbestos-containing materials
Proper waste packaging and disposal
Final cleaning and clearance testing
Every step is documented to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Is removal always necessary?
Not always. If asbestos materials are in good condition and not being disturbed, we may recommend encapsulation or enclosure instead of removal. This seals the fibers and prevents them from becoming airborne — a cost-effective and safe solution in some cases.
What happens to the asbestos after it’s removed?
All asbestos waste is double-bagged, labeled, and transported to a licensed disposal facility following EPA and DOT regulations. We maintain full documentation (waste manifests) for every project.
Is Global Abatement Services licensed and insured?
Yes. We are fully licensed, insured, and certified in asbestos abatement and environmental remediation. Our technicians receive ongoing training to meet the latest state and federal safety standards.
Do you handle emergency asbestos response or accidental disturbance?
Absolutely. If asbestos materials are accidentally damaged or disturbed during renovation or a flood/fire event, we offer 24/7 emergency response to contain the area and prevent contamination.
Do you provide air quality testing or clearance reports?
Yes. After every project, we coordinate third-party air monitoring and clearance testing to confirm the area meets regulatory safety standards before it’s reoccupied.
What other services do you provide?
Along with asbestos abatement, we provide:
Environmental remediation
Mold removal and cleanup
Lead paint abatement
Demolition and site restoration
Emergency response and water damage cleanup
Contact us if you don’t see the answer you’re looking for.