Asbestos Abatement and Removal

• 1). Leave asbestos in place if it's located behind walls and similar areas unless the material is friable. Look for flaky or crumbly asbestos, which indicates the material is friable and may become airborne, entering the human respiratory system.
  
  
• 2). A qualified asbestos abatement company that follows OSHA regulations for protective clothing and equipment for its workers should remove friable asbestos. Cover all furniture and walls with a plastic sheet, taping the edges to make a seal. Ensure the asbestos is contained by coating it with a paint or sealant that doesn't allow the fibers to escape into the air. Wet the asbestos to further ensure that fibers do not escape into the air.
  
  
• 3). Abide by detailed specifications to remove friable asbestos and ensure the safety of building occupants and workers performing the abatement. Remove asbestos from the premises in 6 millimeter plastic bags with zip fasteners and seal with duct tape, or place the material in special sealed 55-gallon drums, according to federal regulations. A waste shipment record must accompany the abated asbestos to an approved disposal facility.
  
  

Lead Abatement and Removal

• 1). Obtain a lead-testing kit from a company specializing in lead abatement supplies or hire a company to perform an assessment to determine whether lead is present on walls, furniture or pipes.
  
  
• 2). Put on proper safety equipment, including head-to-toe coverage such as goggles, boots, gloves and chemical suits before starting any lead-removal work. Remove all furniture from the room and cover everything else with plastic to protect the area from lead dust.
  
  
• 3). Encapsulate the lead by applying a spray product that will bind together lead dust. Remove with a power grinder or electric plane, or use chemical removers specially formulated for lead. When using chemical strippers, apply with brushes and allow to settle so paint will soften. Scrape off the old paint with a putty knife and wipe off the area.
  
  
• 4). Place lead waste material in heavy-duty plastic bags and seal thoroughly. Larger items must be covered before they are transported. Take all lead waste to an approved disposal site.