Asbestos Removal in New Jersey: What Homeowners Should Know

What Is Asbestos? 

Asbestos is a natural fiber found in the wild. Historically, it has been used for a variety of purposes due to its properties, such as:

• Strength
• Flexibility
• Heat resistance
• Insulative qualities
• Environmental resistance
• Adsorption capacity

Until the late 1900s, you could find asbestos products including fireproof roofing materials, cement sheets, and home insulation. 

By the late 1970s, the use of asbestos declined as more people became aware of the connection between asbestos exposure and lung disease. Documentation of these health risks goes back to the late 1800s. Seventeen countries had banned or severely limited the use and production of asbestos products by 2003.

Asbestos Health Risks

Asbestos becomes dangerous when released into the air and inhaled. Until then, it lies in an inert state that functions well as an insulant or mixed into other products.

The problem is when new homeowners decide to renovate their house and disturb the preexisting asbestos. It’s also possible that the degradation of materials causes the material to become airborne, even outside of a factory setting.

Studies of asbestos workers show that inhaling asbestos fibers can increase the risk of several serious diseases. These include asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

Any amount of inhaled asbestos can increase the likelihood of falling ill. Even family members of asbestos workers have developed mesothelioma due to the asbestos dust carried home on their clothes. 

Common Asbestos Locations

Many homes and buildings in New Jersey were constructed during the period when asbestos was used. As such, it’s not rare for homeowners to discover it in their homes.

Some of the most common areas where you might find asbestos include:

• Insulation
• Flooring
• Roofing and siding
• Pipes and boilers

Older attic and wall insulation often contain asbestos, which was used due to its insulating properties. It can last for decades but may break down over time due to physical impact, water damage, or continual vibration. 

The same applies to vinyl tiles, adhesives, and linoleum. These products, made before 1980, may contain asbestos.

Asbestos fibers were added to roofing and siding materials to strengthen and increase their durability. It also gave them fireproofing qualities.

Pipes and boilers had asbestos wrapping used for insulation.

Asbestos Regulations In New Jersey

Despite its diminished use, importing, processing, and distributing all asbestos materials was not illegal in the United States until March 2024. Until this year, you could still gain access to chrysotile asbestos. The Biden-Harris administration finalized the complete ban.

However, this ban does not cause pre-existing asbestos to disappear. New Jersey has stringent regulations regarding asbestos removal to protect homeowners and the environment.

The New Jersey Department of Public Health enforced the removal of asbestos. The EPA and OSHA provide federal guidelines for them to follow.

For example, a certified inspector must assess the property for asbestos before any renovation or demolition. Only licensed asbestos abatement contractors can remove asbestos-containing materials. They must dispose of the waste at a hazardous materials facility. 

Professional Asbestos Abatement

Professional asbestos removal takes place over various steps, each one designed to prevent exposure and clean the area without leaving any residue.

First of all, a certified inspector must identify the materials containing asbestos. They must then assess the condition to determine the best method of removal.

The removers seal off the affected area to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers. Professionals use specialized tools and protective gear to remove the materials without breathing them in.

HEPA filters and other tools are used to clean the area. All waste goes to an approved disposal site.

It is illegal for an unlicensed asbestos person or company to remove asbestos in NJ. 

Asbestos Removal Cost In New Jersey

The cost of your asbestos removal will depend on various factors, such as the size of the effect area and the complexity of the removal process. At the very least, you can expect to pay about $2,500 for smaller projects. Larger projects can cost upwards of $10,000 or more.

Inspection fees will cost a few hundred dollars. This is an essential step before you can start removing asbestos.

Materials like sprayed insulation are more difficult to remove and more expensive. If the removal project is urgent, the service may add additional charges.

New Jersey Home Safety Tips

If you’ve recently bought an older home, then it’s important to know it may contain asbestos in one form or another. In most cases, you’ll be fine without removing it. However, there are some signs you’ll need an inspection.

One of the reasons to get an inspection is if you’re planning a renovation. Always inspect your property beforehand, especially if it was built before the 1980s.

If you experience any unexplained respiratory issues, you may need an inspection. Common health risks include persistent coughing and shortness of breath. You may also experience chest pain. 

Recent natural disasters can also damage building materials and release asbestos fibers into the air.

When in doubt, pay for the inspection. It’s better to know sooner than later if you have a potential health risk in your home.

Get Asbestos Removal in New Jersey Today

Asbestos removal in New jersey works much like the process in other states. You get an inspection to assess if there’s asbestos in your home and then have professionals remove it. Failure to do so can endanger your health and the health of your neighbors.

AAA Lead Professionals can help you address your asbestos, mold, and lead paint problems. We’ve helped clients throughout New Jersey and beyond since 2009. Get in touch to tell us about your issue and request a quote.