Asbestos
Information
Often times, we get calls from folks who do not understand or question the reasons as to why they need an “asbestos survey” prior to demolition or renovation. Some people are very upset that they even need to jump through the hoops, and others are more than happy to comply with regulation.
Perhaps one of the most common things goes is something like this “ What difference does it make? They just throw it in the landfill with the rest of the stuff anyway. It is just a rip off to have to pay you guys to do this and these regulations are outrageous.”
Well, in the first place, the concern with making sure the asbestos is removed entirely from a structure prior to demolition has nothing to do with where it is disposed of. It has to do with the dust cloud that is created in any demolition. Remember 9-11? New York City was blanketed with a cloud of dust from the Twin Towers. And yes, it some of it was asbestos containing material. Asbestos becomes a danger when the fibers are “airborne” and can be easily breathed or ingested. These fibers can cause cancers and infections in the body. Thus, it is important to always take the proper safety precautions.
In the second place, where do you think asbestos comes from? Do you think it is a man-made material? If so, you are wrong. The name “Asbestos” encompasses a wide definition of mineral “fiber” crystals that exist in the ground, naturally. Asbestos material is still “mined” today in many places throughout the world. There are many different kinds of these crystalline fiber forms, thus there are many different forms of asbestos. The crystalline structure of the minerals and how the molecules are bond together define the “type” of asbestos.
So, it is important to have the asbestos removed from your structure before you demolish or disturb. The material and this process is regulated for a reason. Yes, the asbestos does go back into the landfill, back in the ground, where it came from in the first place.
Asbestos Related Links
- For additional asbestos information and regulations for King, Pierce, Kitsap, and Snohomish Counties, please visit Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
(Click on "regulated activities" and then click on "asbestos and demolition".)
You can also find information (or links to information) for the regulatory agency in your area of Washington State in case you are not local to the Puget Sound area. - For regulations and information for all of Washington State, check out the web site for Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries and type "asbestos" in the search bar at the top of the page.
- For general information on asbestos, where to find it, how to get more information, health effects, levels present, and steps to reduce exposure. See U.S Environmental Protection Agency
- American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
- National Cancer Institute Asbestos Exposure: Question and answers that explore Asbestos and its health risks and hazards from exposure.
- Title 40: Protection of Environment PART 763—ASBESTOS
- Asbestos Contractors
- Institute of Hazardous Materials Management
- American Lung Association
- American National Standards Institute - ANSI
- Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers
