Are you planning a renovation or remodeling project and do you own a house or shed built before 1994? Then pay extra attention. Older buildings may contain asbestos. Sawing, drilling, or breaking into this material releases dangerous fibers. Therefore, it's important to know in advance where you might encounter asbestos and how to handle it safely. This page explains what to look out for and the steps you can take.
Where can you encounter asbestos?
Asbestos can be found in homes or sheds built before 1994. You can find it in, among other places:
- Cement drain pipes
- Roof boarding
- Facade panels
- Corrugated sheets
- Kit of window frames
- Pipes
- Bakelite: Sinks, toilet seats, electrical parts such as telephone housings and switches, plugs
- Brake linings from old cars
- Ceiling plates
- Plates behind the central heating boiler
- Chimneys
- Windowsills
- floor tarpaulin
- Bitumen: Adhesive under tiles, adhesive under roofing felt
- Asbestos cord: Gaskets, sealing material around stove flues, air ducts and chimneys, simmer plates, insulation of electrical cables
Why is asbestos dangerous?
Asbestos has a major drawback. Sawing, drilling, or breaking into materials containing asbestos releases numerous microscopic fibers. These fibers can easily be inhaled and enter the lungs. This can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma (asbestos-related cancer). Therefore, it's important to always be vigilant when doing DIY or renovation work in a house or shed built before 1994.
Customized advice from Milieu Centraal
Step-by-step plan for dealing safely with asbestos
Here is a handy step-by-step plan for dealing safely with asbestos:
Step 1 - Do you suspect asbestos? Have it tested
Don't take any chances and have a professional inspection carried out to confirm this. A specialized company can take samples and examine them to determine if asbestos is indeed present. If it is, they will advise you on its removal.
Step 2 - Check if you can remove it yourself
You may only remove asbestos yourself if the material:
- No more than 35 m2 per address
- asbestos fibers are firmly attached
- is attached with screws, not with nails or staples
- it is not glued
If the above doesn't apply, always consult a certified company. Discuss with the company who will report the incident to the Environmental Desk (see step 3).
Step 3 - Submit a demolition notification to the Environmental Desk
If you are allowed to remove the asbestos yourself, please report this to the Environment counter and wait for permission from the environmental service or municipality.
Step 4 - Watch the Milieu Centraal video
Step 5 - Then gather all the necessary materials
Gather everything you need, such as disposable protective clothing, a face mask (protection factor FFP3), safety glasses, gloves, work shoes, spray adhesive or hairspray, a clean cloth, a garden hose, and masking tape.
Step 6 - Prepare the space
Empty the room and cover the floor with masking tape. This will prevent asbestos from getting on your belongings.
Step 7 - Choose a suitable day
A good day to start work is preferably a rainy and windless day. This prevents asbestos fibers from blowing away.
Step 8 - Remove asbestos safely
Keep spray adhesive or hairspray on hand to secure any bolts. Avoid breaking, sawing, sanding, or scraping asbestos materials.
Step 9 - Pack the material securely
Wrap the removed asbestos and your disposable clothing securely in double-layered plastic and clearly mark it as asbestos-containing waste. Wrap the asbestos in special foil and seal it securely. You can obtain this foil and tape free of charge at our recycling center. Then rinse the package thoroughly with a garden hose. Clean the work area with a damp cloth.
Materials that resemble asbestos, such as asbestos-free corrugated sheets, are treated as asbestos at the recycling center. Therefore, this material must also be properly packaged for delivery.
Step 10 – Hand it in at the recycling center (with form and demolition notification)
Before you take asbestos to one of our recycling centers:
- Submit a demolition notification to your municipality. Sometimes you'll also need a permit. You can find more information on your municipality's website.
- Fill in a form in which you report that you are bringing asbestosSubmit the form, along with the demolition notification or permit, to the manager of the recycling center.
Note: Always dispose of asbestos in double-packed, well-sealed containers. Asbestos-free corrugated sheets are also treated as asbestos at the recycling center, so you must package them in the same way.
By following these steps, you'll handle asbestos safely and reduce risks during renovations and conversions. Are you unsure about the presence of asbestos? Contact a professional for advice and inspection.