Asbestos in the Modern Built Environment

Many think EPA’s asbestos ban protects them from asbestos.  Unfortunately few materials were banned from “use” and many asbestos-containing building materials (ACBMs) remain in commerce imported under NAFTA and other trade agreements.  In fact, asbestos is still in “use”, can be present in new and old buildings, and can be found on the shelves at your local big box store.  Even LEED certification does not protect against asbestos in buildings.  Without written certification that materials are tested or certified asbestos-free, all buildings regardless of age must be tested before demolition, renovation or maintenance activity that may cause materials to become friable.

EPA NESHAPS require that building materials be tested for asbestos before demolition or renovation.  TSCA requirements in AHERA and ASHARA require that building materials in schools be assessed and properly managed and strongly suggests comparable practices for public and commercial buildings.

Once the asbestos survey is completed, the information must be communicated, maintained and properly utilized via an effective operations and maintenance program.  When records are not maintained and adequately updated (i.e. document future renovations), the owner must resurvey prior to renovation or demolition incurring additional costs.  Further, renovations performed without a survey can potentially expose building occupants and the public to the hazards of asbestos and result in potential catastrophic financial liabilities.

This presentation provides ideas for better using survey data, for assuring appropriate information is available to manage ACBM’s, and offers practical tips to keep the survey up to date and useful throughout the facility’s life cycle.