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.

It is important to remember that as a building owner, if asbestos is present in your building you are responsible for it in every capacity.  It is crucial that the asbestos be managed.  The first step is to hire someone to do a survey of the building.

 If there is no asbestos containing material, no further action needs to be taken.  If the inspector identifies asbestos or finds previous documentation that asbestos is present, then there are a couple routes which can be taken from there.  If the asbestos material is damaged, action must be taken immediately.  The EPA regulates three options to deal with damaged asbestos in a building: enclosure, encapsulation, or removal.  If the asbestos material is to remain in place, it can be enclosed through construction of a barrier (wood or drywall) or encapsulated, usually a thick paint or sealing material.  Asbestos building materials that are to remain in a building must be managed. To manage asbestos, owners need to adopt an Operation and Management Program.  Either the building owner or other designated person must be named responsible for the program.  This person will be responsible for educating occupants on the presence, location, and condition of all asbestos in the building.  They will also have to monitor the continuing condition of the asbestos.  If over time the asbestos is no longer in good condition it will be their responsibility to determine what plan of action to take. 

If removal is the preferred option due to damage and potential hazard, be sure to choose a responsible and experienced contractor.   Make certain that the company you choose can show proof of insurance and licensing.  Midwest Environmental Control, Inc. (MEC, Inc.) has decades of experience and expertise in hazardous waste removal and disposal. Call for a free estimate. (419) 382-9200