ASBESTOS

Did you know?
Commercial and public buildings (pre-dating 1980) must be inspected by a certified inspector for asbestos prior to a renovation or demolition project.  This is to insure that all regulated asbestos containing material (ACM) that will be disturbed is properly removed and disposed of by certified individuals before beginning the project.

Only certified individuals can create management plans for, collect samples of, or remove ACM.  The one exception to this is the homeowner himself in his own residence.  This therefore does not include landlords, agents, or uncertified contractor. 

HPC's has on staff certified asbestos inspectors that can assist you in both residential and commercial identification, removal, and plan management of ACM.

View Asbestos Requirements and Demolish Rules:
North Dakota
Minnesota

Recently Discover Source
Often Vermiculite is mined for an asbestos substitute.  This substitute can have various names (i.e. Zonolite) and uses.  It can most commonly be found in potting soil or home insulation, and is likely to contain trace amounts of asbestos (not visible to the eye).  On May 21, 2003, the EPA released a campaign aimed at consumer awareness of vermiculite insulation used in some homes attics.  Read more about this campaign.

Common Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM)
Pipe and boiler insulation
Vinyl flooring, backing and adhesives
Gaskets (stove/furnace)
Decorating sprays and soundproofing
Roofing, shakes, siding, asphalt shingles
Cement board (boxes)
...And many others

Asbestos Regulations
In 1989, the EPA banned most ACM.  However,
in 1991, that ruling was overturned so that only
flooring felt, rollboard, and corrugated, commercial
or specialty paper containing Asbestos Material
remained banned. New products that have not
historically contained asbestos also remain banned
by the EPA.

ACM is not necessarily an immediate health concern. It only is hazardous if airborne fibers are inhaled. When the ACM is in good condition, it should be left undisturbed.  ACM in bad condition or subject to damage, should be repaired or removed by a certified professional.  Do not attempt to sand, saw, scrape, grind or drill ACM.

Read the EPA's recommendations and guidance on Asbestos and Vermiculite.

Health Effects and Risks
Breathing high levels of asbestos fibers for extended periods of time can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer.  This risk increases with the number of fibers inhaled and is greater if you smoke.  Usually the symptoms of this disease do not present themselves for 20 to 30 years after the first exposure.

Exposure to small amounts of asbestos which are commonly encountered in daily life, do not generally lead to serious health problems.  However, if ACM is disturbed, fiber may be released and inhaled into the lungs where they may remain for many years, increasing the risk of disease.

For more information on the health effects of asbestos exposure, CLICK HERE.

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