Written By: Robert E. Sheriff, MS, CIH, CSP
Updated: January 30, 2020; September 2021
The current strength of the commercial real estate market has brought out the fact that few buildings can really be classified as “Asbestos Free.”
The only exception are most buildings constructed in the last 20 years. The reason as to why this is most buildings and not all buildings is because the use of asbestos has never been completely outlawed for use in building materials! True, it cannot be used in fire retardants or piping insulation, but in other materials; it still is allowed by law. Fortunately, few building material manufacturers, importers, or distributors have allowed, asbestos to be in building materials since the late 1980s. The last building materials to regularly contain asbestos appear to be floor tiles and roofing materials.
FACTS ABOUT ASBESTOS
If more than 1% by weight of the material is asbestos, then it must be classified, under the EPA’s definition, as “asbestos-containing”. Does this mean that it is a hazard? No! In fact, in most cases, it is not a hazard. This brings out some important facts about asbestos.
- FACT NO. 1:
- The mere presence of asbestos does not constitute a hazard. Only if asbestos-containing materials release dust that could be inhaled or ingested is there truly an asbestos hazard.
- FACT NO. 2:
- Just because asbestos is present in a building, does not necessarily mean that it must be removed.
- FACT NO. 3:
- The cost of removal is much less than it was 20 years ago.
- FACT NO. 4:
- The presence of asbestos, in any form, will have a negative impact on the value of the building. In clearer language – it will reduce the value of that building.
What to Do?
There are several number of things that can, and should, be done regarding asbestos.
First, figure out:
- Do you know if you have asbestos in your building? If so,
- Where is it?
- How much do you have?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions, a survey should be performed. Make sure you have qualified individuals and companies perform these activities. Most states require removal companies to have a license as well as certificates for individuals who perform sampling surveys for asbestos materials.
Furthermore, if your building is located in New York City, there are additional requirements. New York City requires a special form to be submitted with all construction/renovation/demolition permit applications. These forms relate to either the presence of asbestos (Form ACP-7) or absence of asbestos (Form ACP-5) and is correlated with the “permitted” work that is to be performed.
For more information, reach out to Atlantic Environmental.
Our primary service areas are NJ, NY, NYC, PA, CT, DE, (Boston) MA, RI, Wash DC, WI, MD, MI, (Chicago) IL, VA, IN, (Atlanta) GA, AL, NC, SC, TN, (Dallas, Ft Worth) TX, OK, DC, AR. We can service most other areas of the U.S. but additional travel charges will be applied.