• There are regulations in place to protect homeowners having asbestos removed.Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Finding asbestos in your home can be a frightening experience. While there are federal laws that mandate the removal of asbestos in public areas and schools, there are no laws that mandate the removal of the mineral fiber in a privately-owned house. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends the removal of asbestos by an asbestos professional. Although there are no laws regarding asbestos in houses, there are laws in place for professional asbestos removers who service private residences.
  
  

Background of Asbestos Law

• Federal law states that professionals trained in asbestos control must take courses where they learn how to inspect for its presence and how to remove it. These courses, which are offered by an individual state's environmental department or agency are required under a 1986 federal law, called the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. A similar act in 1990, called the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act, increased the number of hours asbestos professionals are required to train.
  
  

Training Requirements

• Federal law requires that professionals who specialize in removing asbestos in houses study a handful of training disciplines. These disciplines include inspecting, management planning, worker training, contracting and supervising and project design. Professionals are also required to study under an additional discipline that is recommended, such as project monitoring. According to the EPA, individual states that have their own sets of training laws must have laws that are at least as strict as the federal government's.
  
  

Training Refreshers

• Certified asbestos professionals who remove asbestos from homes must also participate in refresher training. These refresher courses teach professionals updated techniques in removing asbestos from homes. The refresher courses must be conducted at the state level. The EPA provides individual states with guidelines that include instructors' credentials and student eligibility. Refresher courses may be taken in a classroom setting or online.