Asbestos – What You Should Know
Nothing brings a demolition or renovation to a screeching halt faster than discovering asbestos in a building’s ceilings or walls. In order to protect occupants and workers from exposure to this hazardous material, a professional must perform specific preventative measures. That’s why consulting a professional, as a first step, is critical to the budget and timeline of your project.
Follow along as we look at what you should know about asbestos.
What is Asbestos?
OSHA defines asbestos as “the name given to a group of naturally occurring minerals resistant to heat and corrosion.”1 “Because of asbestos’ ability to resist corrosion and heat, it was often used, between 1922 and 1989, in building materials such as adhesives and insulation. In addition, it was commonly used in schools, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and homes. Unfortunately, it was discovered that asbestos could pose life-threatening health risks when fibers are ingested or inhaled. Thankfully, it is now highly regulated by OSHA (for workers) and the EPA (for the public).
Where is Asbestos Found?
It has been estimated that asbestos was used in over 3,000 products and can be found in:
- Pipe and boiler insulation
- Fire-proofing spray
- Vinyl floor tiles and associated mastic (glue)
- Sheet flooring
- Drywall systems
- Plasters
- Textured coatings – “popcorn,” stipple coat, other spray applied or troweled-on finish coatings
- Several sizes, types & styles of ceiling tiles
- Carpet and wood panel adhesives
- Duct mastics, sealants
- Window/door caulking and glazing
- Roofing materials
- Cementitious siding and pipes
- And more
Asbestos Testing In Virginia
NoVA Environmental Solutions has the expertise and the licensing in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. to determine and identify asbestos risks, including preventative measures to prevent or limit the spread, as well as what steps to take if asbestos is found.
Some of our services offered include:
- Pre-Renovation and pre-demolition asbestos inspections (required by local, state, and federal regulations for many properties regardless of building age)
- AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) inspections and re-inspection for schools K-12
- Asbestos Management Plans
- Bulk sampling (taking small pieces of materials for analysis)
- Dust sampling or Asbestos
- Air sampling for Asbestos
- OSHA compliance air monitoring for asbestos exposure
Find out more in our When is an Asbestos Inspection Required video, and then contact NoVA Environmental Solutions at (540) 645-6141 and let us help bring your project to a successful completion today!
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Asbestos - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration. https://www.osha.gov/asbestos
