Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is mined and used for its tensile strength and insulating properties. Its fibers are long, narrow, and bind easily with materials used in construction. Asbestos is an excellent thermal insulator, a good noise insulator, and is resistant to the effects of friction and most chemicals. The qualities that make asbestos an excellent building material also make it the environmental problem that it is today. In fact you can still buy asbestos products at your local hardware store. Therefore, your house or business might have asbestos, no matter its age. Asbestos can be anywhere and in any type of building. One can not tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is tested and labeled. In good condition, asbestos containing materials (ACM) are of no threat to human health; however, continued exposure to airborne asbestos fibers from broken-down ACM can pose great harm over time. Asbestos has been found to cause permanent health issues with the most potentially hazardous route of exposure being inhalation. The three main diseases that result from asbestos are asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

The United States began regulating asbestos in the 1970's; however, there was never a ban on the mineral. The National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NEHSAP) requires notification of demolition or significant* renovations to structures. And prior to those demolitions and renovations, NESHAP requires the identification and proper handling of any asbestos containing materials (ACM) that may be present.