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>

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Q: What is asbestos encapsulation?

• <div><p>Asbestos encapsulation is an alternative to asbestos abatement or removal. Suppose you have hired an asbestos testing service and they recommend encapsulation. In that case, they will cover the asbestos with a protective barrier or put it in a sealed enclosure so the fibers cannot escape. Encapsulation usually costs between $2 and $6 per square foot.</p></div>

Q: Is it okay to live in a house with asbestos siding?

• <div><p>It's okay to live in a house with asbestos siding as long as it's intact. Asbestos siding in good condition poses minimal risk since the fibers remain bound. If the siding is damaged, or deteriorating, or if renovations are planned that may disturb it, the risk of exposure increases significantly. Consult a professional asbestos inspector to assess the situation and provide recommendations.</p></div>

Q: Can asbestos be absorbed through the skin?

• <div><p>While asbestos can&rsquo;t be directly absorbed through the skin&mdash;the fibers are too big&mdash;skin contact can still produce symptoms. Contact dermatitis can flare up in sensitive individuals but in most cases, the danger from asbestos comes from inhaling the fibers, or dust, that is produced when asbestos is disturbed. If you touch asbestos by accident, immediately wash yourself and your clothes.</p></div>

Q: Is there still asbestos in siding?

• <div><p>Asbestos has not been used to manufacture new siding since the early 1980s. So, while asbestos is not currently used to make new siding, it can still be present in the siding of homes built before the 1980s. The best way to know if your siding has any type of asbestos is to have a professional test it.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Asbestos Abatement pros in Athens, VT

*The Angi rating for Asbestos Abatement companies in Athens, VT 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 Athens, VT 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 November 24, 2025

Reviewed in February 2024
I was very impressed with this company. They expanded my driveway and added pavers around the edges, by completely removing the old driveway, expanding it, and even ran drain pipes from the house to the road. They were very efficient, neat, and cleaned up after the project was complete. The...
Ellite Construction Masonry
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Reviewed in June 2023
This company took down eight large trees very close to my home without damaging a thing. Everything was removed per my request. It is so rare to find a company that does the job on time, at budget and cares about the quality of their work.
A&G Logging & Excavation, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2023
He was prompt, friendly, courteous and cleaned up my yard very well. I would highly recommend him if you need junk removal from your yard
Junk-Out-Dawgs LLC
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Reviewed in October 2017
The men from Claremont Glassworks did an excellent job when I had my garage doors replaced. They were on time, professional, and polite. They had both doors removed, and new ones replaced, plus two new garage door openers installed, in only a couple of hours. Great doing business with them
CLAREMONT GLASSWORKS
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Reviewed in August 2017
Hal and his crew were excellent. He was on time, checked in every day letting me know the progress and what was happening the next day, and was a good listener with good ideas for solutions to problems. They worked long days to get two fairly big projects done in 2 days...repaired a failing...
C.P. Builders, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2016
Floyd and his team are not only punctual, but extremely respectful and highly competent in their profession. They removed numerous trees around my home efficiently and with precision beyond compare. Upon finishing their work, they neatly raked the premises. It is not easy to find a company that...
TOP NOTCH TREE EXPERTS
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Reviewed in February 2016
Our project (remove existing blacktop walkway and install new walkway pavers) was completed on time, within budget and with 'awesome' results! Communication was great! Leonardo is professional and personable.
Awesome Landscape Design, Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2015
Came promptly to shovel 6+ roof areas of snow & removed many ice dams! VERY PLEASED with the work!
Top Notch Carpentry & Remodeling
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Reviewed in August 2011
I think he also does property management but we use him for snow removal. He charges by the inch of snow. If we get 5 inches and he has to come out 3 times, he only charges that one time. A lot of places charge every time they come out and if it snows all day, they have to come 3 or 4 times. He...
Westward Renovation
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Find Asbestos removal specialists in Athens

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties

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SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties

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58 years of experience

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

AMH Inspections

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AMH Inspections

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11 years of experience

We are a family owned and operated small business. We strive for highest work quality and customer satisfaction.

Asbestos Removal questions, answered by experts

Asbestos encapsulation is an alternative to asbestos abatement or removal. Suppose you have hired an asbestos testing service and they recommend encapsulation. In that case, they will cover the asbestos with a protective barrier or put it in a sealed enclosure so the fibers cannot escape. Encapsulation usually costs between $2 and $6 per square foot.

It's okay to live in a house with asbestos siding as long as it's intact. Asbestos siding in good condition poses minimal risk since the fibers remain bound. If the siding is damaged, or deteriorating, or if renovations are planned that may disturb it, the risk of exposure increases significantly. Consult a professional asbestos inspector to assess the situation and provide recommendations.

While asbestos can’t be directly absorbed through the skin—the fibers are too big—skin contact can still produce symptoms. Contact dermatitis can flare up in sensitive individuals but in most cases, the danger from asbestos comes from inhaling the fibers, or dust, that is produced when asbestos is disturbed. If you touch asbestos by accident, immediately wash yourself and your clothes.

Asbestos has not been used to manufacture new siding since the early 1980s. So, while asbestos is not currently used to make new siding, it can still be present in the siding of homes built before the 1980s. The best way to know if your siding has any type of asbestos is to have a professional test it.

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 Athens, VT homeowners’ guide to asbestos removal services

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

See all articles

Angi
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Nov 10, 2025Nov 10, 2025
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Asbestos abatement is typically best left to the professionals, but if you want to learn how to remove asbestos siding, here's how to DIY the task safely.