Asbestos Abatement


	Asbestos From the 1980s to today, billions of dollars have been spent for asbestos abatement. While we know asbestos is regulated as a human carcinogen, are we sure the abatement activity has left a "safe" environment? Abatement not properly completed, will result in a significant potential for adverse health effects. These asbestos related diseases will not show themselves for many years. Asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer and other cancers linked to asbestos exposure continue to claim lives. What is Asbestos? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that has been used extensively in construction and many other industries. Nearly every building contains asbestos in some form. It has been used widely because of its special properties. For example, asbestos is very resistant to destruction by heat or chemicals and its fibers are extremely durable. These characteristics led to its use in wall insulation; paint; sprayed- or troweled-on surfacing materials; pipe, boiler, and duct insulations; cement filler; and a variety of other products. However, you, the consumer, should know about the dangers of asbestos


	Where Can Asbestos Be Found?

How Does Exposure to Asbestos Occur?

Asbestos that can be crumbled by hand pressure is called "friable" asbestos. Material containing friable asbestos fibers are easily released into the air by impact and deterioration.
Exposure to asbestos occurs when asbestos fibers of various sizes are released into the air and are inhaled. The smaller fibers can remain in the air for long periods of time. These fibers are so small that they are only visible with a microscope. In Fact, it takes 600 asbestos fibers bundled together to equal the thickness of one human hair. Some of the large fibers may lodge in the nose, but the smaller ones travel through the upper airways and become embedded in the lungs. The body has no effective mechanism for removing these fibers.

The manufacturing of asbestos containing building materials was banned in 1978. Distributors were allowed to sell the shelved product until 1981. The only way to be certain if a material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a certified consultant or laboratory


	The California contractors state License board licenses and regulates all contractors who are qualified to do asbestos work in buildings. Additionally, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has responsibility to register all contractors who perform asbestos abatement work and test and certify all asbestos consultants. California law prohibits any person from advertising for the removal of asbestos unless certified for that work. The law also requires that the contractor's license number and the Cal/OSHA registration number be included in that advertising. JM OSHA#578 / CSLB#693564

Legal Requirements

EPA & local agencies oversee the removal of all ACM's which contain asbestos concentrations of 1 % or more. OSHA regulates asbestos as it relates to worker handling & safety of ACM's of .01 % or more. Specific regulations govern the removal, transportation and disposal of all ACM's. Because severe civil and criminal penalties can be imposed for improper handling it is always best to call a licensed asbestos contractor.
Current federal, state and local regulations govern all properties where a demolition or renovation will occur. An asbestos survey is required of the work area in order to identify ACM's. If ACM's are found then an asbestos abatement must be performed prior to any construction activities.


	Be Educated . . . Be Safe


	(916) 726-0304 Office (916) 726-0340 Fax Email: jmenv@surewest.net


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