Abstract: A self-contained, portable spot abatement unit (10) facilitates the spot removal or abatement of asbestos material, or other material containing particulate contaminants. The unit includes a portable work chamber (12) having vacuum (VP1, VP2) and filtration (F1F2) means coupled thereto for establishing a negative air pressure therewithin. The unit has overall dimensions that permit easy passage through conventional door openings, yet the work space provided within the work chamber is sufficiently large to allow a worker to perform whatever tasks need to be performed at a desired work site. A first telescoping top frame (20, 52) allows the work chamber to expand in order to contact finished ceilings up to 13 feet from a finished floor. A second telescoping frame (22, 56) used in one embodiment, allows the work space to be further extended, e.g., to pass through an opening (54) in a finished ceiling up to 18 feet from the finished floor. A hand-held collection bag (144) may also be used within the work chamber.