WHAT IS ASBESTOS?
Many people today may assume that asbestos is no longer used in the U.S., when in actuality asbestos is still being imported and used on construction projects everywhere. Unfortunately, asbestos is still found in many homes. Exposure to this material can be extremely harmful. It can increase your risk of developing lung disease, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
WHEN SHOULD I TEST FOR ASBESTOS?
If in doubt, treat suspected materials as if it contains asbestos, leave it alone, and contact a certified professional such as True Perspective Home Consultants to have it tested.
Particularly in Colorado, the handling of ACM (asbestos-containing materials) is carefully regulated. As such you could be legally liable for the remodeling/renovation, disruption or removal of any fixtures, or any form of construction performed on any building with asbestos-containing materials without a Colorado certified asbestos building inspector properly testing for asbestos.
YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR HOME INSPECTED IF:
- You are planning to remodel or renovate your home.
- There is a fire or flood damage.
- There is damaged building material (like crumbling drywall or insulation).
- You are purchasing a home with unclear materials or possible asbestos-containing materials.
*Again, if there is ANY doubt, contact a professional and do not attempt to remove or investigate asbestos yourself.
ASBESTOS QUICK FACTS:
- There is no safe level for asbestos exposure. The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says there is “no ‘safe’ level of asbestos exposure for any type of asbestos fiber.” Even brief exposure can cause mesothelioma. Click here for more information.
- Asbestos kills more people than skin cancer in the U.S. It is estimated that asbestos kills about 15,000 Americans each year. There are 6 particular types of asbestos: Chrysotile (most common), Amosite, Crocidolite, Tremolite, Anthophyllite, & Actinolite.
- Asbestos can be anywhere. It can be found in pipes, flooring, roofs, walls, ceiling finishes, appliances, & more. It cannot be detected or identified by the human eye.
ASBESTOS LAWS IN COLORADO
Private Residents Need to Test for Asbestos if They Are Going To:
- Remove more than 32 square feet.
- Remove more than 50 linear feet.
- Remove more than the equivalent of one 55-gallon drum of any material besides concrete, wood, bricks, or steel.
*Note that these rules apply to ALL properties regardless of age.
Commercial Professionals Need to Test for Asbestos if They Are Going To:
- Remove more than 160 square feet.
- Remove more than 260 linear feet.
- Remove more than the equivalent of one 55-gallon drum of any material besides concrete, wood, bricks, or steel.
*Note that these rules apply to ALL properties regardless of age.
Private residents as well as commercial professionals need to conduct asbestos testing if they plan to demolish their building.
MORE ASBESTOS QUICK FACTS:
- Asbestos is still legal in the United States. In 1991, the Asbestos industry took the EPA to court and won the ruling making ACM legal to be used anywhere in the U.S.
- Airborne asbestos fibers can become extremely volatile, causing cancerous, painful, or fatal diseases that may take several years after exposure for symptoms to develop.
- Asbestos is not a DIY project! It is the law in Colorado to have the handling and testing of asbestos done by state-certified asbestos professionals only.
THE RISKS OF ASBESTOS TODAY:
Asbestos particles are known for their light, strong, and heat-resistant factors which have been used for over a century in construction, insulation and fireproofing. However, when asbestos fibers become airborne from cracked pipes or crumbling fixtures, they can become extremely volatile and cause cancerous and painful, fatal diseases. Asbestos cannot be detected or identified by the human eye unless it is labeled or tested. Congruently, it may also take several years before any symptoms or disease become apparent due to asbestos.
There are 6 particular types of asbestos: Chrysotile (most common), Amosite, Crocidolite, Tremolite, Anthophyllite, and Actinolite. Click here for more information.
Asbestos in homes and public buildings are not always hazardous, but any attempt at personally removing or inspecting for asbestos without the assistance of a certified asbestos professional exponentially raises your risk of hazardous exposure.
If in doubt, treat suspected materials as if it contains asbestos, leave it alone, and contact a certified professional such as True Perspective Home Consultants to have it tested.
