What to know about asbestos before starting a construction project
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber. It has been used for centuries because of its beneficial properties, including:
- Fire/heat resistance
- Non-corrosive
- Flexible
Asbestos was mined in the United States until 2002, and is still mined and manufactured into finished products worldwide.
Asbestos-containing materials can be found in hundreds of construction materials, including:
- Roofing products and siding
- Flooring and mastic/adhesives
- Pipe insulation
- Acoustical ceiling treatments/tiles
- … and many more!
Health Effects
Exposure to asbestos has been determined to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
Because of the known health effects, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) developed regulations to protect the environment and workers.
Asbestos Regulations
EPA Regulations:
- 40 CFR Part 763, Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) – regulates asbestos in public K-12 schools
- 40 CFR Part 63, National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) – regulates asbestos in commercial and multi-family structures
OSHA Regulations:
- 29 CFR 1919.1001, 29 CFR 1915.1001, and 29 CFR 1926.1001 – regulate worker exposure to asbestos in the general, maritime, and construction industries, respectively
State and local municipalities may also have additional regulations.
Was Asbestos Banned?
A common misconception is that asbestos was banned, and buildings constructed after 1989 are exempt from asbestos regulations.
EPA passed the Ban & Phase Out Rule in 1989; however, the ban was overturned in 1991. As a result, only new uses of asbestos, and the following specific asbestos-containing products, were banned:
- Flooring felt
- Rollboard
- Corrugated, commercial, or specialty paper
Asbestos-Containing Materials may be found in buildings regardless of construction date
Do I Need an Asbestos Survey?
According to NESHAP, an asbestos survey is required for every commercial or multifamily renovation or demolition project. There is NO exception to this requirement based on date of construction. Additionally, this is a federal regulation that applies regardless of whether a building permit is required per local jurisdiction.
Additionally, OSHA regulations prohibit work exposure to asbestos above the published Permissible Exposure Limit. The best way to ensure workers will not be exposed to asbestos is to conduct testing.
