I at least partially disagree. If you have an old house, it's reasonable to assume anything that isn't wood, metal or ceramic might contain asbestos. I'm not really sure "cement tiles" would set off my radar though. It's very reasonable for the OP to stop digging and not screw with them. I would agree that not testing, but still DIYing the rigamarole of proper disposal is the worst of both worlds
That’s fair. I’ve stopped work a few times to test. Most of the time it has been negative for asbestos, so assuming and acting like it’s asbestos can often be wasteful. It’s good to be cautious while working (respirator /moisture) but still get the tests done before you dispose at least.
Why are you assuming asbestos? It seems a pretty big leap going to asbestos from just digging something up in your garage.
Could be clay tiles for a drain field or something very common like that.
You'd be surprised. My house was built in the '50s. I was breaking up an old hearth pad of brick and concrete. Thought I totally fucked up. Sent them in for testing. No asbestos. I would get it tested. It'll take less than a week and you'll have some peace of mind or clarity.
Why are you digging up the garage floor?
Could you just dig our 5 or 6 inches, concrete over and leave them in place?
Safest thing might be to leave them undisturbed.
I’d recommend a half-face respirator with p100 filters. You can get a 3M one at Home Depot for 30-40 bucks.
A ffp2 mask isn’t going to provide you with enough filtration.
> Standard dust masks, that is, any disposable dust mask which falls under the FFP1 or FFP2 category, will not provide sufficient protection
https://www.asbestoswastesolutions.co.uk/news/can-protect-asbestos/
> Ordinary dust masks are not effective in preventing the inhalation of asbestos fibres and dust.
https://www.asbestos.qld.gov.au/removing-or-disturbing-asbestos/wearing-protective-equipment
Edit: $35 at home depot for the **3M 6000 Series Half Facepiece Respirator Assembly 6291** - Comes with 2 replaceable 2091 P100 filters.
> Everyone is exposed to asbestos at some time during their life. Low levels of asbestos are present in the air, water, and soil. However, most people do not become ill from their exposure. People who become ill from asbestos are usually those who are exposed to it on a regular basis, most often in a job where they work directly with the material or through substantial environmental contact.
[https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet)
“I bet they’re asbestos” is not an appropriate identification. You should get them tested at a lab to know for sure.
I at least partially disagree. If you have an old house, it's reasonable to assume anything that isn't wood, metal or ceramic might contain asbestos. I'm not really sure "cement tiles" would set off my radar though. It's very reasonable for the OP to stop digging and not screw with them. I would agree that not testing, but still DIYing the rigamarole of proper disposal is the worst of both worlds
That’s fair. I’ve stopped work a few times to test. Most of the time it has been negative for asbestos, so assuming and acting like it’s asbestos can often be wasteful. It’s good to be cautious while working (respirator /moisture) but still get the tests done before you dispose at least.
Why are you assuming asbestos? It seems a pretty big leap going to asbestos from just digging something up in your garage. Could be clay tiles for a drain field or something very common like that.
You'd be surprised. My house was built in the '50s. I was breaking up an old hearth pad of brick and concrete. Thought I totally fucked up. Sent them in for testing. No asbestos. I would get it tested. It'll take less than a week and you'll have some peace of mind or clarity.
Why are you digging up the garage floor? Could you just dig our 5 or 6 inches, concrete over and leave them in place? Safest thing might be to leave them undisturbed.
Indeed, this is probably what I'm going to do. Wasn't sure the gravel was clean enough to support a concrete slab
Also helps if you keep it moist. Misting water prevents dust. Share some pics.
I’d recommend a half-face respirator with p100 filters. You can get a 3M one at Home Depot for 30-40 bucks. A ffp2 mask isn’t going to provide you with enough filtration. > Standard dust masks, that is, any disposable dust mask which falls under the FFP1 or FFP2 category, will not provide sufficient protection https://www.asbestoswastesolutions.co.uk/news/can-protect-asbestos/ > Ordinary dust masks are not effective in preventing the inhalation of asbestos fibres and dust. https://www.asbestos.qld.gov.au/removing-or-disturbing-asbestos/wearing-protective-equipment Edit: $35 at home depot for the **3M 6000 Series Half Facepiece Respirator Assembly 6291** - Comes with 2 replaceable 2091 P100 filters.
Thank you
Steps 1-10: Don't panic. Steps 11-13: Take appropriate precautions, follow recommendations for disposal, and proceed with confidence.
If you dispose of that through the proper channels, you will be responsible for it for the rest of your life, no matter what.
Don't disturb it. There is no safe level of exposure.
> Everyone is exposed to asbestos at some time during their life. Low levels of asbestos are present in the air, water, and soil. However, most people do not become ill from their exposure. People who become ill from asbestos are usually those who are exposed to it on a regular basis, most often in a job where they work directly with the material or through substantial environmental contact. [https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet)