Does an air filtration system get rid of asbestos? Asbestos can be picked up by air filters, but it depends on the type of air filter you use. The extremely serious consequences of asbestos exposure make...
The extremely serious consequences of asbestos exposure make it an unsuitable matter for common home owners to handle on their own. It takes many years of training and experience to be able to handle asbestos with relative safety. That is why Michael Doman, Sales Manager with Austin Air Systems Limited of Buffalo, New York advises people to get expert and authorized teams to remove all traces of asbestos from homes. He confirms that the 0.3 micron size limit for his company's air purifiers, applies to asbestos particles of this size, but warns people not to count on air purifiers to do a total job of asbestos removal from an indoor area. Asbestos particles may be found in air only when it is damaged or subject to extensive manipulation. Asbestos used for insulation during construction of an indoor area is not likely to discharge particles in to the air.
The US Environmental Protection Agency explains that it may be best to leave asbestos that may have been used when a home was constructed, and which is in good condition, simply alone. Such material will probably not release fibers which can lodge in the lungs. Asbestos which has been damaged, or which is subject to strong gusts of air, is dangerous, for particles may get dislodged at such times. Air purifiers will be able to catch and filter those particles which are more than 0.3 microns in size.
Damaged asbestos has to be either repaired or removed. Both are specialized procedures and unrelated with air purifiers. Suffice it to say that such procedures should be carried out by experienced professionals with utmost care. States have lists of organizations and services which are equipped to handle asbestos removal and repair. The Utah Government, for example has a list of laboratories in Murray and South Salt Lake which can repair or remove asbestos with relative safety from indoor areas. It is worth repeating that asbestos which is good condition should not be disturbed. Professionals can inspect a suspected asbestos area of a home and determine whether repair or removal is necessary.
The US Environmental Agency has listed lung cancer as the main hazard associated with long exposure to significant amounts of asbestos. Casual exposure to small amounts may have no effect. The links between asbestos and cancer are controversial to an extent, as the gap between exposure and the first signs of disease may be decades apart.
Air purifiers do come in handy as an added precaution after repair and removal operations have been completed, though we must not ignore Michael Doman's advice that HEPA paper is best for removing all traces of asbestos. Air purifiers are more relevant for air borne matter of the 0.3 micron size and any parts of asbestos fibers smaller than this are beyond the range of control of air purifiers. This should not be considered as any adverse reflection on the utility of air purifiers which have important roles to play in cleansing air of allergens, chemicals and malodors.
