Asbestos Services
The presence of asbestos-containing building materials has the potential to dramatically increase the cost of your redevelopment plans. ASE can help identify these potential costs early on in your due diligence. We can facilitate abatement by an independent third party, if removal is warranted, and provide daily and clearance monitoring services.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral with long, thin fibrous crystals. Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century because of its resistance to heat, electrical and chemical damage, found absorption and tensile strength. When asbestos is used for its resistance to fire or heat, the fibers are often mixed with cement or woven into fabric or mats. Asbestos was used in some products for its heat resistance, and in the past was used in buildings for its flame-retardant and insulating properties.
Asbestos Services Include
- Asbestos Surveys
- Management Planning
- Abatement Design Services
- Coordination of Abatement Services
- Air Monitoring
- Clearance Testing
Banned Material Under the Clean Air Act:
- Most spray-applied Surfacing ACM
- Sprayed-on materials containing more than 1% asbestos
- Wet-applied and pre-formed asbestos pipe insulation, pre-formed asbestos block insulation on boilers and hot water tanks
Banned Material Under the Toxic Substances Control Act:
- Corrugated paper, roll board, commercial paper, specialty paper, flooring felt and new uses of asbestos
The EPA has no existing bans on most other asbestos-containing products or uses. Asbestos containing building materials continue to be manufactured outside the US and can be used in new construction. NESHAP requires that the “owner or operator of a demolition or renovation activity and prior to commencement of the demolition or renovation thoroughly inspect the affected facility or part of the facility where the demolition or renovation operation will occur for the presence of asbestos, including Category I and Category II non-friable ACM.” What does this mean for your project? All renovation and demolition projects will require an asbestos survey, regardless of when the structure was built.
