How long does it take for asbestos to harm you?

• <div><p>According to the National Cancer Institute, asbestos-related diseases can take anywhere from <b>10 to 40 years</b> for symptoms to appear. The health risks increase with prolonged and heavier exposure. Risk factors also include:</p><ul><li><p>Amount of exposure</p></li><li><p>Chemical makeup, size, and shape of the asbestos fibers</p></li><li><p>Length of time a person is exposed to asbestos</p></li><li><p>Genetic factors </p></li><li><p>Source of exposure (direct exposure or secondhand exposure from someone directly exposed)</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top asbestos removal specialists in Appleton, ME

Q: When did they stop using asbestos siding on houses?

• <div><p>In the 1980s, the use of asbestos in house siding materials underwent a significant decline, ultimately being phased out by the mid-1980s to early 1990s. This change was largely due to a growing awareness of the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure, particularly its link to lung diseases and cancers. With increased public concern and regulatory agency involvement, building codes and regulations were updated to restrict the use of asbestos in construction materials. </p></div>

Q: What are the risks of drilling into asbestos siding?

• <div><p>It is not recommended to drill into asbestos siding because doing so can release hazardous asbestos fibers into the air. The safest way to handle asbestos-containing materials is to have a professional remove or encapsulate them.</p></div>

Q: What should you do if you touch asbestos?

• <div><p>If you think you&rsquo;ve touched asbestos, do not put on a mask. This is important because you may take the asbestos fibers on your hands on trap them in the mask. Make your way to a sink and wash your hands thoroughly. Remove any clothes and seal them in a bag, then take a shower. Call your doctor and let them know you&rsquo;ve been exposed to asbestos, and make sure you see them as soon as possible. The reason you keep the clothes is in case anyone wants to confirm the presence of asbestos.</p></div>

Q: Why hire a professional for asbestos abatement?

• <div><p>Ensures comprehensive removal and adherence to safety regulations, protecting health.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Asbestos Abatement pros in Appleton, ME

*The Angi rating for Asbestos Abatement companies in Appleton, ME is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asbestos Abatement needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Asbestos Abatement companies in Appleton, ME is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asbestos Abatement needs.

Last update on December 09, 2025

Reviewed in December 2025
Andy removed a large rhododendron and brought it to my friends...and replanted it. It is thriving!. Andy was professional efficient and a great communicator!! Recommend 100%
Earth & Turf Landscape Solutions
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Reviewed in August 2025
The tree removal was prompt, accurate and extremely neat. The company worked around issues that were my doing as well. I highly recommend him.
Estabrook
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Reviewed in July 2024
Kerry is awesome! She and her assistant were immediately available and arrived on time. The project was removed quickly and effectively. The cost was half of another estimate. Kerry even contacted me later to warm me that there might be some broken glass and she didn’t want me to be hurt. If...
Debris Be Gone
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Reviewed in November 2023
We consider ourselves very lucky to have found just the right person in Wade Ambrose, to handle this complex job. Replacing 200+ linear feet of rotting exterior "rain boards" with plastic lumber. We knew that it might seem straightforward, and a certain amount was just that, but rot...
WFA Woodwork
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Reviewed in October 2023
Bryan and his employees did a wonderful job removing two large trees on our property, trimming a large maple and cleaning up the yard afterwards. We would also like to thank them for the kindness and attention they showed our 3-year-old great grandson.
Pro Tree Service, Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2023
I had Stone Valley install a beautiful edible landscape at my house last spring and I love it so much! They also removed a tree in the fall before the winter snowstorms. Super helpful and professional!
Stone Valley Engineering
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Reviewed in October 2022
Philip was very professional, and courteous. We scheduled for a huge dead elm tree to me removed. He was reasonably priced, prompt, completed the task as expected and cleaned everything up up perfectly.. I highly recommend his services. Thank you Philip and assistant for a great job!
Midcoast Tree Services
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Reviewed in June 2021
Brad was quick to respond, arrived an time and did an amazing job. We now have an easy to use & maintain water treatment system to remove arsenic.
Maine's Best Water Treatment
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Reviewed in December 2020
The sales representative came first, analyzed our needs, clearly presented what would be done, and how much it would cost. This was followed by a written estimate, and request for a 20% deposit which was very reasonable. The sales representative was always available for any questions. Alec also...
Horch Roofing Inc
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Reviewed in July 2020
Ray was prompt when his services were needed no matter when we called him. He was clear as to what he was going to do and even screened in the entry of bats in our house along with the squirrel removal.
Northeast Wildlife Services
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Find Asbestos removal specialists in Appleton

Icon Environmental Consultants of Maine

5.0(

)

Asbestos - Testing

Serving Appleton, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1996

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Exceptionally qualified and can explain in great detail the results of their testing. Highly recommend for residential type environmental issues."

Response time2 days

19 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Asbestos - AbatementAsbestos - TestingAsbestos Siding - Repair

Serving Appleton, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I highly recommend Octagon Cleaning and Restoration. We recently purchased a house on the water and discovered that we had a mold issue in our basement. Matt and his crew were professional, informed us what needed to be done and completely eliminated the mold and the musty smell. Matt was very responsive to my texts, answered all my questions and a great representative of Octagon."

Response time6 hrs

Response rate100%

Recommended by90%of homeowners

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Hall Bros Environmental Services, Inc.

3.4(

)

Asbestos - AbatementAsbestos - Testing

Serving Appleton, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They were very professional-showed up on time"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Advanced Construction Services, LLC.

New to Angi

Asbestos - AbatementAsbestos - TestingAsbestos Siding - Repair

Serving Appleton, ME and surrounding areas

28 years experience providing environmental and construction services to private and public sector clients.

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Asbestos Removal questions, answered by experts

In the 1980s, the use of asbestos in house siding materials underwent a significant decline, ultimately being phased out by the mid-1980s to early 1990s. This change was largely due to a growing awareness of the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure, particularly its link to lung diseases and cancers. With increased public concern and regulatory agency involvement, building codes and regulations were updated to restrict the use of asbestos in construction materials.

It is not recommended to drill into asbestos siding because doing so can release hazardous asbestos fibers into the air. The safest way to handle asbestos-containing materials is to have a professional remove or encapsulate them.

If you think you’ve touched asbestos, do not put on a mask. This is important because you may take the asbestos fibers on your hands on trap them in the mask. Make your way to a sink and wash your hands thoroughly. Remove any clothes and seal them in a bag, then take a shower. Call your doctor and let them know you’ve been exposed to asbestos, and make sure you see them as soon as possible. The reason you keep the clothes is in case anyone wants to confirm the presence of asbestos.

Ensures comprehensive removal and adherence to safety regulations, protecting health.

According to the National Cancer Institute, asbestos-related diseases can take anywhere from 10 to 40 years for symptoms to appear. The health risks increase with prolonged and heavier exposure. Risk factors also include:

Amount of exposure
Chemical makeup, size, and shape of the asbestos fibers
Length of time a person is exposed to asbestos
Genetic factors
Source of exposure (direct exposure or secondhand exposure from someone directly exposed)

The Appleton, ME homeowners’ guide to asbestos removal services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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