Asbestos Hazards in Older Homes
Make Certain You Know When An Inspection Is Necessary
By: Leroy Schaefer, Sunbelt Environmental Services
Asbestos: The Basics
If you are a contractor or home owner of a house built prior to the mid-1980's, you might want to consider having an asbestos inspection prior to demolition or construction activities. Failure to recognize asbestos containing materials (ACM) could place your clients in harm's way.
Asbestos has been around for thousands of years. It is composed of minerals and has long been used for its fire retardants abilities and pliable properties. Asbestos gets its name from a Greek adjective meaning "inextinguishable."
Use in the United States began in the late 1900s and continues today in certain products, although its use has been extremely curtailed. It has been used for floor tile, linoleum, popcorn ceiling coverings, counter tops, wall board mud, stage curtains, window caulking, pipe insulation, plaster, transite paneling and many other uses.
The most common type of asbestos is Chrysotile asbestos, which is mined throughout the world. This type of asbestos is called "serpentine" because the fibers curl as opposed to other needle-like asbestos fibers.
When An Inspection Is Necessary
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulate asbestos in schools and commercial buildings, and set regulations that deal with the inspection, removal and disposal of asbestos. A single "private" home is not regulated for asbestos removal, but disposal is regulated. In the City of Springfield, the Health Department (Air Quality Office) regulates the asbestos inspection and removal process. All other buildings require an inspection prior to demolition.
The physical properties of ACM can either be friable or non-friable. Friable asbestos can be made into dust with finger pressure while non-friable cannot. An example of non-friable materials would be 9" by 9" tile of transite panels used on many styles of homes in the 1950's. An example of friable asbestos would be thermal insulation of a boiler, or pipe wrap. Both types of materials are regulated for removal and disposal, however the regulations differ due to the friability of the material.
If you are considering purchasing or remodeling a home or commercial building, it is best to inspect and have samples taken before you commit to or being demolition. In my own experience, I've observed many contractors or home owners regret hasty decisions related to this process.
Make sure your inspector/contractor, or asbestos abatement company is licensed, knowledgeable and insured to work with ACM.