CHICAGO — Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present in millions of pre-1980 buildings and can be disturbed during restoration, renovation, and demolition work — releasing asbestos fibers into the air and creating a significant health hazard for workers and building occupants.
Asbestos was widely used in building materials from the 1930s through the 1970s because of its fire resistance, durability, and insulating properties. Common ACMs in pre-1980 buildings include floor tiles and floor tile adhesive, ceiling tiles, pipe and duct insulation, textured coatings (popcorn ceilings), roofing materials, and joint compound.
Before beginning any restoration or renovation work in a pre-1980 building, contractors should conduct or commission an asbestos survey to identify potential ACMs. The survey should be performed by a certified asbestos inspector, and samples of suspect materials should be analyzed by an accredited laboratory.
If ACMs are present and will be disturbed by the restoration work, the contractor must comply with OSHA's asbestos standard (29 CFR 1926.1101) and EPA's National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) regulations. These regulations require worker training and certification, air monitoring, engineering controls, and proper disposal of asbestos waste.
Restoration contractors who are not certified to perform asbestos abatement should subcontract asbestos removal work to a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. Attempting to perform asbestos abatement without proper training and certification exposes workers to serious health risks and the contractor to significant regulatory penalties.
