Asbestos is family of naturally occurring minerals that possess several important characteristics that have made them desirable for use in various building applications. These characteristics include:

  • Sound Absorption
  • Tensile Strength
  • Heat Resistance
  • Chemical Resistance
  • Electrical Resistance

Asbestos was used to manufacture and was mixed with a slew of building materials prior to strict regulations being passed banning the use of asbestos in many building components due to its carcinogenic properties. However, the use and manufacture of certain asbestos-containing is still allowed (for a full list of the banned and non-banned asbestos products please visit the USEPA website). Asbestos is generally not dangerous unless its fibers are made airborne through a direct disturbance of the material matrix. 

Today, asbestos can be found in a number of building materials present within residential, commercial and industrial facilities, especially those constructed prior to 1976. The most common suspects for asbestos-containing materials are:

  • Pipe Insulation and Wrapping
  • Vinyl Floor Tile and Mastic
  • Textured Coatings
  • Spray-applied Coatings or Fireproofing
  • Electrical Wire Insulation
  • Roofing Materials
  • Insulation or Acoustical Board
  • And Many Others

Since asbestos may be present in a number of building materials, it is important to have these materials tested by a licensed professional prior to disturbing these materials. The federal, state and local governments have developed strict regulations governing the licensing and procedural methods for the testing, removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. Any material that is proven, through laboratory analysis, to contain asbestos in a concentration exceeding 1.0% is categorized as asbestos-containing and is therefore subject to these regulations. 

It is important to not deal with possible asbestos materials unless you are a licensed professional. Asbestos exposure is not readily apparent due to the extremely long latency period associated with asbestos related diseases, which can be 20-30 years.

If a building material is suspected of containing asbestos, the only appropriate course of action is to have the material tested by a licensed professional and subsequently abated, if necessary, by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to ensure the safety of building occupants as well as proper disposal of the material to prevent future contamination. 

Feel free to contact us to learn more about asbestos and other common environmental health and safety hazards.