How can I avoid disturbing asbestos-containing materials?

SOME DO'S:

Do routine inspections on walls, ceilings, pipes and boilers to ensure that any asbestos material is in good condition. Do change your shoes before re-entering the living area from the basement containing damaged asbestos. Do use a wet mop or wet cloth when cleaning areas that may contain asbestos fibers. Do use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

SOME DON'TS:

Protecting your family from the potential hazards of asbestos exposure will mean changing some habits. The following list gives some examples: Don't touch or disturb asbestos material on walls, ceilings, pipes or boilers to avoid fiber release. Don't allow children to play near pipes or furnaces which have friable asbestos insulation around them. Just tossing a ball against asbestos material could release many invisible fibers. Don't let your dog or cat run free in a basement with asbestos-containing materials. The animal can pick up asbestos fibers on its coat and shake them off upstairs. Don't hang wet laundry in a basement with deteriorating asbestos materials. Don't dust or sweep debris suspected of containing asbestos. Don't vacuum debris suspected of containing asbestos. (Remember: a regular vacuum cleaner allows asbestos fibers to pass right through it and re-enter the room.) Don't saw or drill holes in asbestos-containing materials. Don't tack or hammer nails into walls made from asbestos. Don't allow curtain rods or room dividers suspended on ceiling tracks to bump or brush into walls or ceilings. Don't brush, sweep or sand ceilings and walls that contain asbestos. Don't jar the plaster or ceiling panels loose when replacing light bulbs or fixtures.

Source: Asbestos: A Guide to Asbestos in the Home for New Jersey Residents

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