Asbestos
Asbestos has been researched for decades proving exposure causes cancer and other serious diseases. Asbestos is the number 1 cause of work-related deaths in the world, and is still in the Unites States today. Understanding what asbestos is and the health risks from exposure is why it’s so important to avoid asbestos exposure.
How to Avoid Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos becomes a health risk whenever the material it’s in is disturbed and becomes airborne. Once you breathe in the asbestos dust you increase the risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer. When planning a renovation project over 32 square feet, it’s imperative to have the area tested for asbestos first. If the amount of asbestos exceeds the set amount, a certified asbestos abatement company will have to properly dispose asbestos at an approved asbestos waste disposal site. If the asbestos containing material is not disposed of properly, CDPHE can assess a penalty of up to $25,000 a day, depending on the seriousness of the violation.
Other times you should test for asbestos:
- Home Renovation project (walls, counter, floor, ceiling, etc.)
- Demolition work
- After a fire
- When structure becomes damaged and friable.
After Remediation
After the abatement contractor removes the asbestos, a 3rd party Air Monitoring Specialist should provide air clearance of the house. An AMS will conduct a final visual inspection and final clearance air monitoring per Regulation No. 8, section II.D.3.a.(i). Asbestos dust is very light and therefore becomes airborne easily. Getting final clearance is an important and necessary step to make sure the house is safe to reenter.
