How Long Does Asbestos Stay on Clothing?

Asbestos on clothing is an ongoing danger.

Asbestos fibers are durable and can remain on clothing, exposing anyone who comes into contact with them.

Not only can asbestos contaminate the clothing of an individual who comes into direct contact with it, but it can also secondarily impact anyone who may be around this person. Those who work in asbestos-rich areas may be wondering how long the dangerous fibers can linger on their clothing and what they can do about it – both for their own sake and for the sake of those around them. 

Asbestos fibers on clothing can easily be inhaled or swallowed and cause major health problems.

Both occupational and non-occupational exposure to asbestos increases the likelihood of developing a number of cancers including thyroid, lung and ovarian cancer, as well as respiratory conditions. Studies have shown that asbestos fiber exposure can cause lung cancer, asbestosis (lung scarring), and mesothelioma. Understanding how long asbestos stays on clothing, what to look for, and the easiest way to reduce and remove it is key so that precautions can be taken.

Steps to Removing Asbestos from Clothing

Putting asbestos-contaminated clothes in a washing machine can cause contamination of the next load. This can also cause the air to become contaminated in the process. Millions of spouses and other family members of industrial workers washed their asbestos-contaminated work clothes and were exposed at the height of the Industrial Revolution and for most of the 20th century. They were also exposed to toxic dust in family vehicles, homes, garages, and washrooms because of the pervasiveness of asbestos on clothing. 

The safest way to deal with asbestos is to hire a professional asbestos abatement company.

To properly remove the fibers, it’s best to leave the job to an expert. The clothing can be sent to a company for testing and removal by placing the items in a bag and clearly marketing it as containing asbestos.

Do not burn asbestos-tainted clothing. It can release toxic asbestos fibers into the air.

It’s important not to burn clothing that has asbestos on it. Remember, fire doesn’t destroy asbestos; instead, it breaks it down into pieces and the fibers are carried away in the smoke. This means that an individual near the fire could breathe these in. Avoid burying the clothing, too. Asbestos must be disposed of at an authorized landfill.

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) can protect against asbestos exposure.

The easiest way to reduce the possibility of asbestos attaching itself to clothing is to put on personal protection equipment (PPE). Consider wearing proper protection whenever coming into contact with asbestos.

The following PPE items can help to guard against exposure to harmful asbestos fibers:

Respirators 

Respirators clean the air you breathe. A dual cartridge, half-face respirator is the most common type. Cartridges with HEPA filters or a NIOSH rating of P-100, N-100, or R-100 must be used. Asbestos fibers can be filtered from these cartridges. 

It’s important to make sure the respirator fits in order for it to offer maximum protection. The respirator will not fit correctly if you have hair on your face, especially a beard or goatee. Pay attention to the instructions. Asbestos fibers cannot be filtered out by paper dust masks, so don’t use these. 

Eyewear

Wear safety glasses or goggles to safeguard your vision. Whenever you remove items from overhead or use a wire brush, wear eye protection. It’s also recommended to put on eyewear before removing floor tiles. 

Disposable coveralls 

Throw-away coveralls with footies should always be handy for removal and cleanup. Wearing two suits at once is recommended. Whenever you leave the work area after the ACM is removed, dispose of the exterior suit in a designated waste bag. By doing so, asbestos waste stays on the job site. 

Oversized coveralls

These make it easier to move around. You may get hot in most coveralls because they don’t breathe. You can also use old clothes and dispose of them in the on-site waste bin. 

Rubber boots 

Rubber boots protect your feet from sharp objects as well as asbestos. It’s best to wear rubber boots that don’t fasten. After the project, you can wash off the boots and use them again. Make sure no dirt is lodged in the tread on the bottom. 

Disposable Gloves

Gloves offer protection against sharp objects and minimize asbestos contamination. Disposable gloves are recommended, and these can also be thrown away in designated areas. 

AsbestosClaims.Law

AsbestosClaims.law is your comprehensive resource for all things asbestos. We hope this information is helpful.

If you have any additional questions or concerns related to asbestos, check out our website and YouTube page for videos, infographics and answers to your questions about asbestos, including health and safety, asbestos testing, removing asbestos from your home and building, and legal information about compensation for asbestos injuries.

And if you believe that you were exposed to asbestos, or have been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, you could be entitled to significant compensation—money you could use to cover the costs of asbestos removal services, pay for medical treatment, and preemptively protect your physical well-being. 

All without filing a lawsuit.

If you’d like help with filing a claim, please get in touch by email at [email protected], or call or text us at (833) 4-ASBESTOS (427-2378) or (206) 455-9190. We’ll listen to your story and explain your options. And we never charge for anything unless you receive money in your pocket.