Asbestos Regulations – Asbestos Removal Regulations

Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used in building materials for many decades, but because of its potential to cause mesothelioma and other serious diseases, asbestos regulations were put into place to protect the public from being exposed to this dangerous mineral. Asbestos has caused lung cancer, asbestosis, and other life-threatening diseases since the early 1900s, and is still a major health hazard today. The first documented asbestos claim occurred in the late 1920s, but there have been many thousands since. Asbestos-related diseases can occur when, through damage or disturbance to asbestos-containing products, microscopic asbestos particles become airborne and then inhaled into the lungs. This makes asbestos testing, asbestos removal, asbestos disposal, as well as asbestos removal regulations an important aspect of avoiding exposure.

Asbestos is commonly found in asbestos floor tile, asbestos ceiling tiles and popcorn ceilings, and insulation. Once it was learned that asbestos was a potential deadly health hazard, asbestos regulations were put into place to ban its use as well as minimize exposure. In 1989, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) put in force asbestos regulations that banned the use of asbestos as well as implemented regulations to phase out the use of asbestos completely. This, in effect, also created a more safe asbestos abatement environment for people performing the task of asbestos removal. When older homes or buildings containing asbestos products are demolished, remodeled, or repaired, asbestos fibers can quickly be released into the air, exposing everyone in the vicinity to this hazardous mineral. Asbestos regulations are necessary to ensure safety in the workplace when removing or encapsulating products containing this dangerous mineral.

Federal asbestos regulations require an asbestos survey and asbestos testing on any building of a certain age to determine if asbestos is present. If the building is to undergo demolition, any asbestos that is found must be removed before the structure can be demolished. Not following these federal asbestos regulations can result in a fine. Homeowners are usually exempt from following these asbestos regulations while commercial businesses or public buildings must adhere to them. Commercial and public buildings must test for asbestos, and if present, have it removed. Upon completion of the removal process, a certification must also be provided.

It has been estimated that between 10,000 and 20,000 people die every year from asbestos-caused diseases. Although the EPA banned the use of asbestos in home building materials and other products, they did not issue a general ban on the use of this mineral. However, it is considered a hazardous air pollutant as per the 1970 Clean Air Act and its usage is forbidden in the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Asbestos regulations state that whenever a home is sold, an asbestos survey must be given to the buyer of the home, informing them about the presumed presence of asbestos as well as the amounts in approximation in that home. If a home has a large amount of asbestos, its valuation will be greatly reduced. If you are buying a home, you need to have a full understanding of any potential health hazards that may be present, whether it’s the presence of asbestos or various other pollutants. Asbestos regulations were put in place to ensure the safety of anyone coming into contact with asbestos-containing products and must be followed. For those who are interested, asbestos removal training, asbestos awareness training, and other asbestos training courses are offered.