Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber once widely used in construction materials due to its resistance to heat and fire. When these materials are disturbed, microscopic asbestos fibers can be released into the air and settle on clothing. These fibers are durable and do not break down in water or detergent, making it impossible to wash them out using a standard washing machine. Attempting to launder asbestos-contaminated garments at home can lead to widespread contamination of your living space.
Why Standard Washing Increases Risk
The primary reason conventional washing fails is the physical nature of the asbestos fiber. These fibers are extremely thin and durable, allowing them to deeply penetrate and interlock with the weave of fabric. Standard detergents are chemically ineffective against asbestos, as they cannot dissolve the mineral structure. The mechanical agitation of a washing machine does not dislodge all of the embedded particles.
Instead of removing the fibers, the washing process creates three major contamination risks. The first is that agitation suspends dislodged fibers in the wash water, contaminating the washing machine drum itself. This cross-contamination means subsequent clean loads of laundry will pick up residual asbestos fibers, spreading the hazard to other garments.
Another element is that the fibers are often forced deeper into the fabric weave by the washing action, trapping them further inside the clothing. The wastewater from the machine, containing suspended fibers, can also pose a risk if it enters the plumbing system. The most significant risk occurs when the contaminated clothes are moved to a dryer or shaken out to air-dry. The heat and tumbling action of a dryer will dislodge the trapped fibers, making them airborne where they can be easily inhaled.
Immediate Safety Protocols for Handling Contaminated Clothing
Upon discovering or suspecting contamination, avoid any action that disturbs the fibers, such as shaking, brushing, or vacuuming the clothing. Immediately isolate the garment to prevent fibers from becoming airborne and spreading to other surfaces in your home.
Before handling the contaminated items, put on appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including disposable gloves and a NIOSH-approved respirator with a P100 filter. Gently fold the garment inward to trap any loose fibers, minimizing the chance of release during movement. Lightly mist the clothing with water from a spray bottle to further suppress fiber release before containment.
The contaminated clothing must be immediately sealed in two separate, thick plastic bags, a process known as double-bagging. The bags should be at least 6-mil thick and only filled about halfway to prevent splitting under pressure. After the inner bag is sealed with tape, it is placed into the second bag, which is also sealed and clearly labeled “ASBESTOS WASTE.”
If the clothes were accidentally washed, the washing machine drum and the path the clothes traveled must be meticulously cleaned. All hard surfaces should be wet-wiped with damp rags or disposable wipes, which are then double-bagged and disposed of as asbestos waste. Never use a household vacuum cleaner, as it will exhaust the microscopic fibers back into the air.
Secure Disposal Procedures
Contaminated clothing must be treated as hazardous waste. The double-bagged items cannot be placed in standard household trash or recycling bins because asbestos disposal is strictly regulated. Specific procedures are required to ensure public and environmental safety.
The properly sealed and labeled waste must be transported to a facility authorized to accept asbestos, such as a specialized landfill or a hazardous waste collection site. Before attempting to transport the waste yourself, contact your local or state environmental protection agency or waste management authority. These agencies provide guidance on the specific regulations, documentation, and authorized disposal locations in your area.
The best course of action is to contact a licensed asbestos abatement professional. These experts are equipped with the specialized training and equipment necessary to handle, transport, and dispose of the contaminated clothing. They ensure all fibers are contained from your home to the final disposal site, following all federal and local guidelines.