Homes, apartment buildings, schools, and businesses built before the 1980s contained a variety of asbestos products. Today, many of these older buildings still remain and as they break down, become a major safety hazard.

Removing asbestos before it becomes loose or “friable” can reduce your chances of developing an asbestos-related illness. When loose fibers are ingested or inhaled they can stay lodged in your lungs for years before mutating into a rare and aggressive cancer, known as mesothelioma. 

While there are no federal guidelines limiting you from tackling this project yourself in your residence, many states do have guidelines. Hiring a professional is not only recommended but can also be the safest route when dealing with dangerous asbestos particles. 

Professionals are trained in finding, containing, removing and disposing of asbestos products in a way that significantly reduces your odds of harmful exposure. 

So, what exactly does a project like this cost?

Asbestos removal or abatement costs can vary depending on a variety of factors. Removing asbestos from a large commercial building will be drastically higher compared to your typical single-family home. 

The professional company you choose may determine the cost of remediation based on:

• Square footage
• Amount of asbestos being removed 
• Location of asbestos 
• Any complications that require more time on the job

According to HomeAdvisor.com, the national average for an asbestos removal project is $1,993. However, when it comes to removing these fibers from an entire house it could run you between $15,000 and $30,000. 

Do You Need to Remove All Asbestos?

The short answer is no. While asbestos is a known carcinogen, that gives many people enough reason to rid their home of this toxic substance. However, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) not all products need to be removed because they contain asbestos. If left intact and undisturbed, asbestos poses little risk to the people around it. 

There is however, no safe amount of asbestos exposure. For this reason, the EPA has strict regulations in place to protect people from this hazardous substance. If you own a public building you will mostly likely be required to follow EPA guidelines for testing, removal and disposal. Even if your state does not enforce any regulations, the easiest way to keep you and your loved ones safe is hiring a professional.