How Does Mitigating Asbestos Differ From Removing It?

Asbestos becomes hazardous when its fibers are released into the air, which happens when the material is friable—meaning it easily crumbles or breaks apart. Once airborne, these fibers can be inhaled, leading to serious health risks.

Some materials need to be completely removed, especially when the material is significantly damaged, deteriorating, or will be disturbed during renovations or demolition. Asbestos removal, which involves various containment measures and disposal, ensures no fibers remain in your environment.

When full removal isn’t necessary, asbestos mitigation can be used to reduce risk. Encapsulation, sealing, or containment strategies help prevent fiber release while keeping the material in place. We use this approach when asbestos is stable and undisturbed, providing a solution that complies with regulations.

Scott Asbestos And Hazardous Material Removal Ltd Offers Safe Mitigation Services

Our abatement services prevent contamination with proper mitigation.

Our services include:

• Site inspection and risk assessment
• Testing to monitor airborne fibers
• Encapsulation sealing to prevent fiber release
• Containment solutions
• Post-mitigation clearance testing

We prioritize safety and compliance in every mitigation project. Our expert team follows the best industry practices to ensure thorough containment and protection, giving you peace of mind that your environment is secure.

Do You Need an Asbestos Inspection if Materials Were Previously Contained?

If you had asbestos contained previously, you still need regular inspections to ensure the containment remains intact. After all, barriers can degrade, sealants can wear down, and potential structural changes may disturb the material, increasing the risk of fiber release.

For example, if you had asbestos encapsulated in your basement ceiling and you’re planning a renovation, the material is no longer considered low-risk. Our asbestos inspections can determine if the containment is still effective or if further mitigation or removal is necessary.

When Is Asbestos Considered Low-Risk?

Low-risk asbestos is non-friable—i.e., not easily disturbed. If asbestos is suspected, we can assess its condition, location, and likelihood of damage. If any discovered asbestos is securely bonded with another material—like cement—it doesn’t necessarily need to be removed as per its risk level.

Environmental conditions and the potential for disturbance are the most important factors. Asbestos in low-traffic areas, behind sealed walls, or within well-maintained structures is generally considered low-risk. If renovations, wear, or deterioration are likely to expose fibers, the risk level increases.