Should You Sand or File Asbsetos-Containing Materials?
Posted in Asbestos Removal, on March 24, 2025
Asbestos-containing materials require close attention and care. In many applications, the mineral is susceptible to becoming airborne, which can pose a significant threat to anyone in its vicinity. However, there are some cases where asbestos is used in other applications that seem solid, leaving homeowners, property owners, or even general contractors to try and address the asbestos-containing material on their own. Because of its potential health risks, asbestos removal in Brantford requires the expertise and knowledge of a trusted restoration company.
If you find yourself in front of asbestos, here is why you should not try sanding it down yourself.
The Dangers of Disturbing Asbestos
Once disturbed, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials can quickly release tiny fibers into the air. These microscopic fibers can be inhaled, embedding themselves in the lungs and leading to severe health conditions such as:
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, leading to lung scarring and difficulty breathing.
- Lung Cancer: Prolonged exposure to asbestos significantly increases the risk of lung cancer.
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen.
Unlike other building materials, asbestos does not dissolve or break down naturally in the body, making it extremely dangerous when inhaled. To avoid the risk of these illnesses, it’s important that you invest in asbestos removal costs rather than trying to sand or file asbestos on your own. As a reputable and reliable restoration company in Ontario and across the country, Canada’s Restoration Services offers comprehensive asbestos removal services.
Why You Should Never Sand or File Asbestos
Some homeowners believe that sanding or filing down asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) is a quick way to smooth surfaces or remove damaged portions. However, this is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make.
- Releases Toxic Fibers into the Air: Sanding or filing asbestos turns solid asbestos into fine airborne dust, which can linger in the air for hours or even days. This dramatically increases the risk of inhalation for anyone nearby.
- Increases Contamination: Once asbestos fibers become airborne, they don’t just disappear. They settle on nearby surfaces, furniture, HVAC systems, and clothing, making it easy for them to spread throughout your home or workplace. This creates a much larger and more costly contamination problem.
- Improper Handling Can Lead to Expensive Removal Costs: If asbestos contamination expands to improper handling, asbestos removal costs can increase significantly. If you are caught trying to DIY asbestos removal in Brantford, you may also end up fined for not following the correct protocols. Professional restoration companies follow strict guidelines for safe containment and removal, ensuring that your space is decontaminated properly.
- Legal and Environmental Risks: Many jurisdictions have strict regulations regarding the handling and disposal of asbestos. Attempting to sand or file asbestos-containing materials without the proper training or permits can result in legal consequences, fines, and environmental hazards.
What Can Disturb Asbestos Fibers?
The goal with asbestos, when encountered unexpectedly, is to avoid disturbing the fibers to stop them from going airborne. To do this, you want to immediately avoid contact with materials containing the mineral and contact a restoration company like Canada’s Restoration Services to contain the site and prevent the transfer of fibers onto fabrics or into other spaces. Actions like cutting, sawing, sanding, wetting, filing, or even changes in air pressure can cause deteriorating materials to release hazardous fibers into the air. When it comes to asbestos, the safest option is to contact the professionals.
Safe Asbestos Removal in Brantford with Canada’s Restoration Services
When you encounter asbestos, leave it in the hands of the responsible, reliable, and reputable asbestos removal and restoration experts at Canada’s Restoration Services. For over a decade, our specialists have helped Canadian property owners safely eliminate harmful minerals from their workplaces, homes, and other facilities. Do not try to sand it down, encapsulate it, or wash it away; instead, contact us today.
