Why do costs of Phase One cost vary so much?

A Phase I inspection is usually conducted prior to financing or selling real estate. The purpose of a Phase I inspection is to determine the probability of environmental impacts caused by current or past usage. These probabilities are not only based on the subject site but extend to property surrounding the subject property. The purpose of a phase I inspection is to determine if conditions exist that pose a hazard to health or to the environment.

During a Phase I inspection, the inspector will conduct a detailed and extensive site visit, as well as gather information about the surrounding area through interviews with neighboring sites. They will also review local government documents regarding past businesses that may have existed long ago but have been torn down. These activities will help the inspector know whether any past uses of the site or any operations in the surrounding area could be or has been an environmental hazard. Generally, there are certain types of properties that have a greater chance of imposing environmental problems. These typically include gas stations, dry cleaners, dumps, or auto repair shops. Certain manufacturing facilities in the past used little discretion in disposing of hazardous wastes and often dumped or buried such materials on their property. Over time, these hazardous materials can spread to adjacent properties and contaminate ground water.

Asbestos complaints by building occupants.

If you are a building owner: private, public, or residential, it is important to manage your property

responsibly. A building owner is responsible for ensuring safety to all building occupants and guests that visit a property. If there is any kind of risk that can be prevented, the owner needs to address the issue promptly. This includes everything from snow removal, water leaks, mold, or any potentially hazardous materials such as asbestos. Therefore, if an occupant has a complaint, the least the owner or manager should do is investigate the validity of the complaint. The building owner needs to assess the complaint, make every attempt to remedy the condition, as well as inform the occupant as to how the complaint was handled. 

What constitutes a lead hazard?

A lead hazard is defined as any environmental condition that may cause lead exposure and ultimately lead poisoning. Lead exposure occurs when lead builds up in the body, generally over a period of months or years. However, cchildren are more at risk for lead poisoning because their smaller bodies are in a continuous state of growth and development. Lead is absorbed at a faster rate compared to adults, which causes more physical harm than to older people. Furthermore, children, especially as they are learning to crawl and walk, are constantly on the floor and therefore more prone to ingesting and inhaling dust that is contaminated with lead. Lead poisoning is a serious condition and affects almost all body systems. In high levels, it can cause convulsions, coma, and even death. In lower levels, it adversely affects the kidneys, brain, central nervous system, and blood cells. Lead exposure has particularly serious effects on young children, causing delays in mental and physical development, lower IQ levels, shorter attention spans, and behavioral problems. It can also cause learning difficulties and slowed growth in newborns exposed before birth.

Lead-based paint is the biggest source of lead exposure in the U.S. today. Most buildings built before 1960 have lead-based paint, and buildings built as late as 1978 may also have lead-based paint. Lead-based paint which is in good condition (i.e. not peeling or chipping) generally does not pose a threat and should be left alone. However, lead-based paint that is chipping, peeling, or otherwise damaged or deteriorated is considered a “lead hazard” and can be a major health risk.

Am I required to inform occupants of asbestos or lead in my building?

Asbestos is a very dangerous material, and asbestos fibers if inhaled or ingested, can cause very serious health problems, including severe respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Any asbestos materials that are damaged, deteriorated, or friable are likely to release asbestos fibers into the air. It is sometimes very easy to inadvertently damage asbestos-containing materials, so extreme caution should be observed around such materials. For this reason, it is important that individuals who may be working near asbestos materials are aware of the danger and can act with the appropriate caution.

If you are the owner of a building where asbestos materials, or materials you suspect may contain asbestos, are present, it is your responsibility to inform potentially affected parties. This duty to inform can include several types of people. As a building owner, you should inform any company who is planning construction, repair or renovation work in your building of the possible presence of asbestos containing materials (ACM). This is necessary to prevent the accidental disturbance of asbestos that could expose workers or building occupants. You must also inform any of your employees who will be working in areas that are near asbestos-containing materials or suspected asbestos-containing materials... Finally, if you are the owner of a residential building, you must inform any prospective tenants who might occupy areas near or around known or suspected asbestos materials.

How long does it take to remove asbestos?

Exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can cause very serious health problems, including severe respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Any asbestos materials that are damaged, deteriorated, or friable are likely to release asbestos fibers into the air, and therefore should be removed. However, improper removal of asbestos is very dangerous, and can sometimes lead to an exposure risk level higher than that caused by the damaged or deteriorated asbestos containing materials (ACM). Therefore, there are many precautions that asbestos removal companies must take in order to ensure that asbestos materials are removed safely.

Do I need a permit to remove asbestos from my home?

Asbestos is most commonly found behind walls or above ceilings in insulation. There are two types of insulation that may contain asbestos: insulation made with asbestos, which is most often found in houses built between 1930 and 1950, and vermiculite insulation. 70% of the vermiculite insulation in buildings today was manufactured at a site in Libby, Montana that was contaminated with asbestos, so if you have vermiculite insulation in your building, it is very likely that it contains asbestos. Asbestos can also be found in cement sheeting behind walls, patching and joint compound in walls or ceilings, textured paint on walls or ceilings, and acoustic ceiling tiles.

Don’t panic if you have asbestos insulation or any other asbestos material behind walls or ceilings in your building. As long as the asbestos material remains behind the walls or ceilings, it is not dangerous. Even nail holes and similar minor damage to walls that enclose asbestos materials are not large enough to create a health risk. If you suspect that there may be asbestos materials behind the walls or above the ceilings of your building, the best course of action is to leave them alone and take care not to damage or disturb them.

How can I protect myself from asbestos?

Asbestos is a very unique material in many ways and is the name for a combination of minerals found naturally.  Some of asbestos’ defining traits include fibers that can be woven, exhibit high tensile strength, are fire resistance, and have a high electrical resistance.  In addition to its exclusive properties, the way asbestos affects people is also exceptional.  Most illnesses and diseases have a latency period.  This means that an ailment may be present in the body, but has not yet revealed itself with the accompanying signs or symptoms.  For most diseases, the latency periods are short lived, lasting a matter of days or weeks.  Asbestos related diseases on the other hand, can lay dormant anywhere from 10-30 years.  During the exposure process, in whatever forms that may be, the asbestos fibers in an area can continue to breakdown further and further into smaller segments.  These extremely small fibers can remain airborne for days after an initial disturbance.  These small pieces can either be inhaled or ingested.  A health issue can form when asbestos fibers settle into the lungs and the pleural cavity.  During the latency period, those fibers begin scaring the body and after so long may develop into a number of asbestos related diseases including asbestosis, mesothelioma, or lung cancer.  For all these reasons it is hard to know if your exposure to asbestos will affect your health.  So how can you know?

How long should I keep waste records?

It is important to keep clear and complete records for all asbestos waste, and the method of keeping these records currently accepted by the EPA’s National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) regulations is through a Waste Shipment Record (WSR). Before we go into how long WSR’s should be kept, it is important to understand what a WSR is and how it works.

WSR’s are composed of three parts and require the signatures of three separate parties: the waste generator, the transporter, and the waste disposal site operator. A “waste generator” is defined as the owner or operator of any concern that generates asbestos waste. This includes asbestos mills, manufacturers, fabricators, demolition or renovation projects, etc. The waste generator is responsible for filling out the first part of the WSR, and then transfers the waste shipment and WSR to the transporter. It is important that the waste generator keep a copy of the WSR signed by the transporter for their records.

How long can I store asbestos waste?

Asbestos waste cannot be stored in a building indefinitely. Storage is only acceptable as an interim solution for asbestos waste. Asbestos waste can be stored at the generation site (the site from where it was removed) in appropriate containers for up to 90 days, but should be disposed of as soon as it is practical. It can also be stored at an intermediate location in a licensed solid waste transportation vehicle. Apart from these two cases, asbestos waste should always be disposed of at an appropriate location. Asbestos waste should only be disposed of at designated landfills which are authorized to accept asbestos. You can check with your local Health Department or branch of the EPA in your area for landfills that accept asbestos waste. Be aware that different states have different packaging, labeling and transportation.

How do I dispose of asbestos waste?

Asbestos waste can only be disposed of at designated landfills which are authorized to accept asbestos. The local Health Department or local EPA authority should be able to provide a list of licensed disposal sites. Asbestos should be kept wet while it is being containerized in order to prevent the release of asbestos fibers and must be stored in leak-proof containers. Asbestos can be stored in multiple plastic bags with a cumulative thickness of at least 12 mils. It can also be stored in a single plastic bag or in multiple plastic bags with a cumulative thickness of less than 12 mils as long as the cumulative thickness is at least six mils and the plastic bags containing the asbestos waste are sealed in a fiberboard or steel drum. All containers used to store asbestos waste must be labeled with appropriate hazardous waste warnings. All containers used to transport regulated asbestos-containing material must be labeled with the name of the waste generator and the location where the waste was generated. It is also important to ensure that the outsides of containers are not contaminated with asbestos debris clinging to the surface.

How can I protect my occupants in my building from asbestos?

Exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can cause very serious health problems, including severe respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Because the symptoms of these diseases often take anywhere from 15 to 30 years after initial exposure, it can be difficult to know whether you’ve been exposed to asbestos until you are already experiencing its harmful effects. Therefore, it is very important to make sure that the occupants of your building are not being dangerously exposed to asbestos fibers.

If there are any materials in your building that you suspect to be asbestos containing materials (ACM), check to make sure it is not damaged or deteriorating. And be very cautious not to damage or disturb any suspect ACM. Asbestos materials that are intact generally pose no danger, and are best left alone. If there is suspected ACM in your building that is damaged or deteriorated, contact an asbestos professional immediately. They can inspect your building and tell you whether the material is ACM, as well as whether it is dangerous to occupants. Remember. Just because you have ACM in your building does not mean that it must be removed. It will always depend on the condition of the material and the potential for damage or deterioration.

Lead paint in homes and buildings can present a big concern. Lead paint is the most significant source of lead exposure in the U.S. today. Most buildings built before 1960 contain lead paint, and buildings built as late as 1978 may also contain lead paint.

Lead paint which is in good condition (i.e. not peeling or chipping) generally does not pose a threat and should be left alone. There are certain situations in which lead paint in good condition can be dangerous (for example, when surfaces, such as the frames of a window that is often opened, rub against one another and create dust). Lead paint that is chipping, peeling, or otherwise deteriorating, however, can pose a big threat. People who live or work in buildings with deteriorating lead paint can be exposed to lead dust, which can have many negative impacts on one’s health. Lead exposure affects almost all body systems. High levels of lead can cause comas, convulsions, and even death. Low levels cause damage to the kidneys, brain, central nervous system, and blood cells.

What is friable and non-friable asbestos?

Friable asbestos-containing material (commonly abbreviated to ACM) is defined as material containing more than 1% asbestos and it can be crumbled or pulverized by the human hand. Friable ACM is considered to be very dangerous because it releases asbestos fibers into the air. Examples of friable ACM include: acoustical ceiling tiles, roofing felts, some attic/wall insulation, insulation board on walls, pipe coverings, clay-based plumbing putty, flexible connections for ventilation ducts, fuse-box linings, insulation on electrical wires, and spackle, as well as others. Friable ACM is regulated by the federal government because it is more hazardous than non-friable ACM.

Non-friable asbestos-containing material, on the other hand, is defined as material containing more than 1% asbestos that cannot be crumbled or pulverized by the human hand. Non-friable ACM is divided into two categories. Category I includes asbestos packaging, gaskets, resilient floor covering, and asphalt roofing products. Category II includes all non-friable ACM not included in Category I. Examples of non-friable asbestos-containing material include asphalt roofing shingles, roll-roofing, cement roofing shingles or tiles, roof-patching cement (as long as it is pliable), cement sidings, vinyl or asphalt floor tiles, rubber stair treads, and cement pipes, among others.

How do I find a reputable company to remove asbestos?

When dealing with asbestos abatement it is crucial to hire a reliable, experienced, and trustworthy company. The EPA estimates that over half of all asbestos abatement projects in the past were done incorrectly or unnecessarily. Luckily, there are some simple precautions that can be taken to ensure the company hired will perform the tasks safely and correctly.

The first thing to remember is that asbestos containing materials that are in good condition can be left alone. There is no law that states you must remove asbestos. In addition, asbestos abatement is not cheap and should only be done if the material is a health hazard or will become disturbed during renovation or other related activities. If the decision is made to remove the asbestos containing material, a certified, licensed professional should be hired.

When it comes to hiring an asbestos abatement specialist, it is much like hiring any other contractor. There are common sense rules that should be followed. Be sure to interview the contractor. Be specific and ask questions regarding how the removal project will be performed. It is wise to check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints against the contractor in the past. Ask the contractor for references of past jobs completed. When checking into references of past projects, focus on projects similar to the one you will be hiring them to do. Ask questions regarding the following:

How to handle damaged asbestos materials?

Damage to materials that contain asbestos can be a serious issue. Many materials containing asbestos pose no real threat as long as they remain undisturbed. As soon as asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, asbestos fibers can be released into the air. Once it is released, asbestos can be inhaled and can cause serious health issues such as mesothelioma, pleural plaques, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

Asbestos-containing materials can be inadvertently damaged in any number of ways. Any activity that involves drilling, hammering, cutting, sawing, breaking, moving, or otherwise disturbing or damaging asbestos-containing materials can release asbestos fibers into the air. Before performing any of these actions on any material, take precautions to make sure that it does not contain asbestos. Asbestos-containing materials are most commonly damaged during refurbishing, repairing, or maintenance operations. They can also be damaged during the installation of computer wires, telephone cables, fire alarms, light fittings, blinds, shelving, or when moving goods or equipment. In some cases, asbestos fibers can even be disturbed by frequent handling or even by heavy air flow. If you are unsure whether a material contains asbestos, the safest course of action is to assume that it does contain asbestos and to treat it as such.

What are PCBs?

Polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCB’s, are part of a family of man-made organic chemicals called chlorinated hydrocarbons. PCB’s are composed of a variety of chlorinated biphenyl components. They vary in toxicity as well as consistency, are non-flammable, chemically stable, have a high boiling point, and are a good electrical insulator. They are odorless, tasteless and are generally invisible or very light yellow in color.

PCB’s were manufactured between 1929 and 1979 for both commercial and industrial uses. During this time, PCB’s were used in electrical and hydraulic equipment, paint, plastic, rubber, pigments, dyes, carbonless copy paper, and other products. PCB’s were also sprayed on dirt roads to keep the dust from rising. Approximately 1.5 billion pounds of PCB’s were manufactured while effects were not known.

What are "safe levels" of asbestos exposure?

No level of asbestos exposure is known to be completely “safe,” however, minimizing your exposure to asbestos minimizes your risk for asbestos-related diseases. Low levels of asbestos can be found in the air from asbestos-containing rock formations, products that contain asbestos, locations that formerly mined or milled asbestos, and other asbestos-containing materials. Most individuals exposed to asbestos will not develop asbestos related diseases; however, it is not until you are exposed to more concentrated levels of asbestos that you are at significant risk.

The Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a “permissible exposure limit” (PEL) for individuals who are exposed to asbestos in the workplace. The long-term PEL is set at 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter of air (f/cc), averaged over an eight-hour shift. The short-term PEL (sometimes referred to as the “Excursion Level) is set at 1 f/cc, averaged over 30 minutes. These exposure levels can still be dangerous, but when combined with carefully regulated work practices, they are considered by the OSHA to be safe. The regulations for work practices change depending on what the risk for exposure is considered to be for a particular job.

How do I know if lead paint is in my home?

Lead based paint has been used in hundreds of different household items from furniture to toys to the paint on the house.   According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, "about two thirds of all homes built before 1940 and one-half of the homes built from 1940 to 1960 contain heavily-leaded paint."   After more health problems were traced to the consumption of lead based paint, legislature began to develop against the use of lead in paint.  In 1971 the first laws in the United States were implemented to regulate lead based paint until finally, in 1978 it was banned altogether. 

Depending on what the situation is, there are several ways to find out if your home contains lead based paint.  When buying or renting a new residence built before 1978, federal law states that new tenants be notified of any lead based paint.  Real-estate sales contracts must include a specific warning statement about lead based paint.  After receiving notice, buyers have 10 days to test for lead based paint.  Finally, landlords must disclose known information on lead based paint and lead based paint hazards before the lease legally takes effect. 

How does asbestos harm you?

Exposure to asbestos has many harmful effects on the human body, and has been identified as the cause of diseases such as pleural plaques, asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Pleural plaques, or areas of fibrosis (the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue) in the ribcage and diaphragm, are the most common effect of asbestos exposure. Fortunately, pleural plaques cannot lead to cancer and often have no effect on an individual’s general well-being. In some cases, however, pleural plaques can lead to severe chest pain, and, when very extensive, can also restrict breathing.

Asbestosis is a more serious asbestos-linked disease. Although non-cancerous, it is a serious, chronic respiratory disease. Asbestosis is caused by inhaled asbestos fibers being lodged in the lungs, which causes scarring in lung tissue and decreased lung capacity. Its symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and a dry crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling. In its advanced stages, asbestosis can also cause cardiac failure.

When did they stop using lead in paint?

The long string of studies and policies that eventually ended in the ban of lead-based house paint began in the early 20th century, when there began to be concerns about the potential harmful effects to workers in the paint industry. The paint industry worked with public health officials to make work practices safer and succeeded in minimizing lead poisoning in paint industry workers, but took no steps to end the use of lead paint. During this time, some European nations banned lead in paint to help protect painters. However, in the U.S., opposition from painters prevented such a ban from being put into effect.

Beginning in the 1920’s, some children were diagnosed with “pica,” or an unusually strong desire to eat nonfood substances. These children often chewed on their toys or the side of their cribs, and therefore were exposed to the lead paint often used on these items. At first, doctors merely recommended that the children be closely supervised and prevented from chewing on cribs and toys. However, in the 1930’s, lead paint began to be eliminated from cribs, toys, and other products commonly used by children. In the 1940’s, several medical journals reported that this effort had been successful.

Where does asbestos come from?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in metamorphic rocks. It forms when mineral crystals grow in cracks (often called veins) found in soft rock formations. The width of the vein across which the asbestos fibers grow determines their length. Canada and South Africa are the largest sources of asbestos, but there are significant asbestos deposits in the United States, as well. The largest U.S. asbestos deposits are found in the western U.S., as well as North and South Carolina. Most asbestos found in the United States and Canada is white asbestos, or chrysotile. Brown asbestos, or amosite, is generally found in Africa, while blue asbestos, or crocidolite, is found in South Africa and Australia.

What should I do if there is a mercury spill in my building?

Mercury is a very heavy liquid metal element, silvery in color and is a liquid at room temperature.  Mercury will slowly evaporate at room temperature and these vapors are invisible, odorless, and, at high levels, very toxic.  Mercury vapors can harm the nervous system, cardiovascular system, digestive tract, kidneys.  To find mercury in everyday life one has to look no further than thermometers, barometers, electrical switches, and thermostats.  Once mercury is no longer contained or once it spills it will bead up and spread rapidly.  The amount of vapor mercury produces is related to the amount spilled, surface area (amount of beads produced), temperature (vapors increase with warmer air), air flow and physical disturbance of the spilled material.

How do you safely remove asbestos from a building that is occupied?

Throughout history asbestos has been used in a variety of building materials.  These building materials can be found in public, private, and residential buildings.  The question is, once it’s discovered, how can it be removed and can it be removed safely in an occupied building?  Although asbestos can cause health hazards, if the abatement project is performed properly, there is no need to vacate the building or worry about contaminating adjacent areas.

After a thorough inspection of the building confirms the presence of asbestos containing material, it is important to decide what action to take at that point.  If the asbestos is in good condition, it can simply be managed in place.  That means it needs to be routinely inspected and maintai
ned in good condition.  If the asbestos is damaged or deteriorating it needs to be removed or sealed to eliminate any health risks.  Asbestos is only harmful when it is disrupted and fibers are dispersed through the air and inhaled.  For that reason the EPA and OSHA have instituted certain regulations to ensure thorough removal as well as safety for workers and building occupants.

What are the dangers of lead exposure?

Exposure to lead is actually a poisoning that usually occurs by either inhaling or ingesting lead particles or lead containing dust (LCD).  Lead exposure can be harmful to anyone but children and pregnant women are most susceptible to the harmful effects.   Once lead has entered the body, it will reside in either the respiratory or digestive tract before it is distributed into the blood stream.  Lead can stay in the body long after exposure.  Up to 90% of the contaminant will reside in the bone and can be re-released into the blood, re-exposing organs to the pollutant long after the initial exposure.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that about 1 in 22 children in America have high levels of lead in their blood.  Lead can be found many ways in and around the home.  Damaged or peeling paint inside and outside of a building is a classic example of areas that can produce lead dust.  This dust can than mix with soil outside and common dust indoors waiting to become an exposure threat.  Indoors, people can potentially inhale airborne dust or ingest lead through touching objects with lead dust and not washing their hands before eating.  This is a particular risk to children w

According to the law, do I have to remove asbestos from my building?

Asbestos is one of the most regulated substances in the United Sates.  Asbestos can still be found in many houses and buildings across the country, with a higher risk associated with structures built before 1980. For many years it was used in the making of products like dry wall, insulation, floor tiles and various other building materials.  It was widely used based on its strength, resistance to heat, durability and versatility of use.

In 1983 the EPA published and distributed a document titled “Guidance for Controlling Friable Asbestos Containing Material in Buildings”.  This guide categorized asbestos in three forms: sprayed on walls and ceilings, insulation around hot and cold pipes, ducts and boilers, and a variety of ceiling and floor tiles as well as wall boards. 

 As far as the removal of asbestos is concerned, there is no law stating that it must be removed.  If a building contains asbestos, it is not considered hazardous if it remains in good condition and is not disturbed.  Asbestos becomes hazardous when it is disrupted by others like plumbers, home improvement contractors and the like, or simply when it begins to deteriorate. As long as the asbestos containing materials are in good condition and will not be disturbed, it does not pose a health risk and therefore does not need to be removed.

How do you clean asbestos off the floor?

During any renovation project, large or small, where asbestos was disturbed safe work practices need to be implemented. Due to the health risks associated with inhaling asbestos, regular cleanup methods are not an option.

OSHA has published a list of prohibited work practices associated with asbestos.

Included in these prohibited practices is something referred to as “dry cleaning”. Asbestos should never be shoveled, vacuumed with a conventional vacuum cleaner or broom swept while it is dry. Compressed air should never be used to remove dust or debris. Finally, asbestos containing material should never be cut, sanded or subjected to grinding using any type of power tools without a HEPA vacuum exhaust collection system at the working point. All of these methods are prohibited due to the fact that they will redistribute asbestos fibers into the air.

Do asbestos workers have to be licensed?

You may be wondering if asbestos removal or abatement workers have to be licensed. Let’s start by discussing what asbestos is. Then, we will discuss licensing requirements for asbestos removal workers.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in hundreds of applications for centuries. Its strength, insulating powers as well as its fire resistance has made it invaluable to the construction industry. It has been used in over 3,000 different building materials including pipe and broiler insulation, vinyl flooring and so much more. Despite its versatility, asbestos has been found to be dangerous when inhaled. The fact created an entire new industry for asbestos abatement in the early 1980s. In light of the fact that asbestos is now a known health hazard, workers performing the asbestos abatement need to be educated, trained, and licensed to know the full scope of risks and safe work practices.

Should I have mold tested?

Mold is a fungi found both indoors and outdoors with an estimated number of species ranging anywhere from ten thousand to three hundred thousand. Mold grows best in a moist, damp, humid environment. Mold reproduces by releasing spores that have the ability to survive in more dry conditions where they wait for the right conditions to grow into mold. This aspect of mold growth is important because if the visible mold is removed, and the moisture problem is not corrected, the spores will settle and once again produce mold. For these reasons mold can commonly be found in basements, bathrooms, and any place where there is constant high humidity or water accumulation.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) does not currently recommend having mold tested. It is not necessary to test due to the fact that there is no standard of how much or what type can become a health hazard. Testing cannot accurately assess the risk of mold. Another reason not to test for a specific species of mold is because mold testing can be expensive and the removal technique will be the same regardless of the type of mold tested.

Does a company have to be licensed to remove asbestos?

More and more these days we seek out professionals for everything from daycare to mechanical work for our cars to home improvements. When trusting someone with your child, your car or your home, how can you be sure that they are qualified, responsible and ethical?

Well luckily, most professions (including asbestos removal or abatement) require passing a board exam, some type of licensing or both for the general public these certification requirements are helpful when making the choice of who to hire. Having to be certified or licensed insures that a person or company will be held accountable for their performance. Failure to maintain expected standards could lead to the revocation of a license or certification.

In the case of asbestos abatement licensing, the Ohio Department of Health is the agency in charge of certification and licensing for asbestos abatement workers and contractors in that state.

How do you package asbestos waste?

Asbestos is highly toxic, especially when it is friable which means it is in a crumbled or powdered state.  For this reason, any time asbestos is being disturbed, either for demolition, renovation or transportation it is important to make as little dust as possible since the toxins are inhaled through the dust.  Eliminating the spread of dust will prevent contamination to people and the surrounding areas. 

When packaging asbestos for disposal the first line of defense is to make sure the material is wet.  Materials that contain asbestos generally absorb water rapidly and will help keep the material together and make it less likely to become airborne and become a hazard. 

How much do asbestos workers get paid?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Ohio is in the top five states for employment in asbestos abatement.  The BLS reports the hourly mean wage for this field nationwide is around $20.26.  Based on this hourly statistic, the yearly wage for asbestos workers is $42,150, as of May 2011. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also predicts that there will be a 23% growth in asbestos abatement by 2020.  This figure is based on the likelihood that many government and historical buildings across the nation will need abatement in that period.  Asbestos abatement and its workers are an important part of our world today.  These employees work hard to make our homes, schools and environment a safer place to live.

Asbestos has been used for centuries for a wide variety of industrial uses.  It has been used in over 3,000 commercially used products.  Its lure was derived from its many qualities including: fire resistance, insulating abilities as well as its high tensile strength.  After realizing the properties asbestos possesses, it’s no wonder it is so prevalent.  Unfortunately, now we know that asbestos is as harmful as it is useful.  As a building or homeowner it is important to know if and where asbestos is in your building. 

Because asbestos was partially banned in phases starting in the late 1970s, that can be a good clue to indicate if there is ACM within a building.  Was it built or renovated before 1980? If so, it is safe to assume it contains asbestos. 

Besides having a professional inspection, there are a couple tools that can be utilized in learning about the presence of asbestos.  First, investigate different phases of construction, additions, and history of renovations.  Public schools and buildings, more likely will have an inventory of asbestos and its condition.  If there is no documentation, the only way to know if asbestos is present for sure is to hire a professional to do bulk sampling of suspect material.  The sampling should tell whether or not asbestos is present as well as what type of asbestos it is. 

Testing for asbestos: What is asbestos point counting?

Within the realm of asbestos sampling there are several analytical techniques.  The most general way to test for asbestos containing material is through Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM). 

The first two methods, PCM and TEM are used to analyze air samples. 

The third method: PLM, is used to detect asbestos in a “bulk” sample such as a piece of floor tile, wall texture, hard plaster, pipe insulation, etc.  This discussion will be limited to bulk analysis using the PLM method.  

Why Use Point Counting When Testing for Asbestos?

When a bulk sample of material is found to contain 10% asbestos or less, the sample may be presumed to contain greater than 1% asbestos and treated as such or the sample can be further analyzed via Point Counting.    

What is the difference between PMC & TEM air sampling for asbestos?

Air sampling is used to detect the presence of asbestos fibers in an area. PCM and TEM are two methods used to analyze air samples associated with asbestos fibers.  In addition to determining if the air in a particular area contains asbestos fibers, sampling can also be an indication of how well or how poorly an asbestos removal project is proceeding.  During an asbestos removal project, it is important to keep fiber counts as low as possible to reduce potential exposure to workers, building occupants and to determine if and when the work area is suitable to be reoccupied.

Phase Contrast Microscopy analysis (PCM) is most often used in the asbestos abatement industry.  PCM analysis is not as accurate as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).  The PCM method of analysis can count fibers but cannot positively identify the fibers as asbestos.  Using PCM analysis, fibers of a certain width to length ratio are assumed to be asbestos fibers and counted accordingly.  In comparison, TEM sampling methods use a higher magnification thereby allowing smaller fibers to be detected and allowing the technician to positively identify an asbestos fiber or a non-asbestos fiber (see photo below). 

How can I stop mold from going in my basement?

When it comes to mold contamination, moisture control is the key to prevention. Mold is a fast growing resilient organism which can grow on any organic material. In nature, mold is a valuable part of the ecosystem. Mold aids in breaking down and decomposing leaves and other biological waste products. Unfortunately, mold can get into homes and businesses and can put the occupants in serious danger. Prevention is the best way to handle any mold issue but when mold becomes apparent in the home it needs to be properly handled to avoid health issues and regrowth. The following guidelines for mold prevention and removal will help keep your household safe and clean.

The first step to preventing mold growth is to find where potential moisture sources are.

 When you find a problem with a moisture source, fixing it can be as easy as tightening a leaky pipe or simply adding more ventilation to the room. Specifically, areas like basements may have poor ventilation due to the lack of windows and air movement. In these cases a dehumidifier may be needed. Using a dehumidifier is a great preventative measure, yet the machine itself must be cleaned and emptied regularly to prevent mold spores from spreading back into the air. It is said that 65%-70% humidity is needed for mold to grow. For that reason, it is ideal to keep your house between 30%-50% relative humidity.

Where does asbestos go after it is removed?

Once asbestos has been removed from a residence or business it is important that the materials are properly disposed of. Due to the sensitivity of the substance there is a very strict process that must be followed.

To begin the disposal process, the asbestos must be assigned to one of two categories:

Friable – any substance that contains more than 1% asbestos and can be crumbled by hand when dry.

Non-friable -  if the material cannot be crushed by hand.

If the type of asbestos is unknown it is automatically considered friable material to error on the side of safety.

What Kind of Protection Do Asbestos Workers Use?

When handling a substance like asbestos, regulated precautions must be taken.  In this article, we will discuss what kind of protection asbestos workers wear.

Respirators are probably the most important piece of personal protective equipment used in the removal of asbestos.  In addition, workers must also protect their skin and eyes. For these reasons employees must wear disposable coveralls, gloves, foot covering and head covering as well as protective eye wear. 

How Do I Know If I Have Asbestos?

Unless a material is labeled as containing asbestos, you generally cannot tell if asbestos is present simply by looking at it. In the past, asbestos was added to many types of construction materials to strengthen, insulate, fireproof, and soundproof. For this reason, it is difficult to identify for certain if you have asbestos in your home or building without first having the building tested for asbestos contamination. 

The EPA suggests that you have your home inspected by a trained and accredited asbestos professional if you suspect you may have asbestos containing materials in your building.

The EPA also suggests that you schedule an inspection before you begin remodeling or after your home or building experiences damage where building materials have been disturbed. (drywall crumbling, insulation falling apart, etc.)

Below are some images of asbestos containing material. Keep in mind, the best way to handle any situation where you suspect asbestos may be present is to contact a professional asbestos abatement company or asbestos testing company.

This is just one example of floor tile made with asbestos but there are many different kinds of floor tile that contain asbestos.	Here is a sample of tiny asbestos fibers which can be inhaled and cause the deadly respiratory condition  known as mesothelioma.  This can be found in drywall and other types of construction materials.

These two pictures show a roof covered in asbestos containing material that was used to prevent heat loss.

Asbestos air samples for demolition

One very important characteristic of asbestos material is that asbestos fibers can be so small that they cannot be seen without a microscope. For this reason, small asbestos fibers can remain in the air for days before settling. If asbestos fibers become airborne, they can be inhaled and lead to such serious respiratory illnesses as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. For this reason, it is important to ensure that you, your family, and/or the occupants of your building are not being dangerously exposed to asbestos fibers. The best way to do this is to have any asbestos materials that are damaged or deteriorated removed or abated. However, it is important that all removal and abatement be carried out safely. A large part of a safe removal or abatement project is proper air clearance sampling.