Assbestos

I disturbed something that might be asbestos

Stop work, keep people and pets out of the area, and don't sweep, dust or vacuum the debris. Get the material tested and have any cleanup done by a trained professional. Most people exposed to asbestos don't become ill, the National Cancer Institute says, but tell your doctor about the exposure.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you're worried about asbestos exposure, talk to your doctor and tell them about your exposure history.

Right now

  • Stop what you're doing. Don't keep sanding, scraping or tearing.
  • Keep people, especially children, out of the area (EPA).
  • Turn off heating and air conditioning that could spread dust to the rest of the house. EPA's contractor checklist includes turning off the heating and air conditioning system for asbestos work.
  • Don't dust, sweep or vacuum the debris. EPA says a regular vacuum cleaner should never be used on asbestos debris.
  • Don't track it through the house. If you can't avoid walking through the area, EPA says to have it cleaned with a wet mop.

Next

  1. Find out whether it's asbestos. Have the material tested, ideally by a professional inspector. See how testing works.
  2. Have the cleanup done by a trained professional if it is. EPA's contractor checklist includes sealing the area with plastic sheeting, wet methods, HEPA vacuums and sealed, labeled waste bags. See hiring an asbestos contractor.
  3. Check your state's rules for cleanup and disposal: asbestos rules by state.

Your health

  • Most people exposed to asbestos don't become ill. The National Cancer Institute says people who become ill from asbestos are usually those exposed regularly, most often through their job (NCI).
  • Risk rises with exposure. "In general, the greater the exposure to asbestos, the greater the chance of developing harmful health effects" (EPA). There's no known safe level, though, and illness has occurred after brief exposures.
  • Tell your doctor. NCI says anyone who has been exposed, or suspects they have, "should inform their doctor about their exposure history and whether or not they experience any symptoms." Symptoms of asbestos-related disease usually take 10 to 40 years or more to appear.
  • If you smoke, quitting is the biggest thing you can do. Smoking and asbestos together raise lung cancer risk more than either alone (NCI, ATSDR).

See asbestos and your health.

Sources

Last reviewed October 29, 2026. See our sources.