How Dangerous Are Asbestos Sidings?
Asbestos siding, commonly used on homes built between the 1920s and 1970s, is generally safe if it’s undisturbed and in good condition. Asbestos fibers only pose a health risk when they become airborne and are inhaled. Here’s a breakdown of the potential risks and safety measures: 1. Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure Airborne fibers: When […]
Recent Questions About Asbestos
Recent Questions About Asbestos Is there any federal regulation that requires disposing of the HEPA-filter in a negative air machine at the end of a job? No, there is not. There may be contractual requirements in specifications, but there is no regulation that addresses this practice. We used to discuss, in initial Contractor Supervisor training, […]
Does Asbestos Poison The Air and the Ground?
Asbestos does not poison the ground or the air. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that is not water-soluble. This means that it cannot dissolve in water and seep into the ground. However, asbestos can be released into the air when it is disturbed, such as during demolition or renovation work. If inhaled, asbestos […]
What is Mesothelioma and Asbestosis?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue that covers most of the internal organs. It is most commonly associated with asbestos exposure. Here are the key points about mesothelioma: Types of Mesothelioma Pleural Mesothelioma Location: Affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). Symptoms: […]
Legal Sampling of Suspected ACM
Legal Sampling of Suspect ACM Question: This is a current practice that I need a definitive response to: Is there any scenario in which an employee (or contractor) who is not AHERA Building Inspector certified could grab a bulk sample and submit for asbestos analysis (i.e., the material is non-friable VAT or concrete or a […]
Interpretation of AHERA Sampling (40 CFR 763.86) On a Construction Site
Interpretation of AHERA Sampling (40 CFR 763.86) On a Construction Site Question: Under 763.86 (c), we determined that the standard for bulk sampling of miscellaneous materials was to collect 3 samples per homogeneous area (“in a manner sufficient to determine whether material is ACM or not…”) and that an accredited inspector shall collect these bulk […]
A question on who may collect samples of suspect ACM on a utility worksite
Question: In the power utility business, we have line, station apparatus, and construction personnel that may be called out to inspect equipment or conduct emergency trouble work/investigations associated with an equipment failure or fault. These employees regularly encounter underground electrical cable encased in conduit (i.e., inspecting/evaluating electrical faults or responding to customer/contractor dig-ins, etc.). On […]
Do Cars Contain asbestos?
Older cars and some specific parts of cars manufactured before the 1980s can contain asbestos. Asbestos was commonly used in various automotive components due to its heat-resistant properties. Here are some parts of cars where asbestos might be found: 1. Brake Pads and Linings Asbestos was widely used in brake pads and linings because of […]
A Question About Sampling Concrete in Power Plant Setting
A QUESTION ON SAMPLING CONCRETE / CEMENT MATERIALS IN A POWER COMPANY SETTING Question: Starting on page 157 of the AHERA course book (APPENDIX A, 100 Commonly Asked Q’s), question #38 addresses what suspect ACMs are and provides a partial list of materials classified as either “suspected ACBM” or as “not covered by AHERA rule.” […]
What Should You Do If You Breathed In Asbestos?
If you think you have breathed in asbestos, here’s what you should do: Immediate Actions Leave the Area – If you’re still in a space with potential asbestos exposure, leave immediately to prevent further inhalation. Avoid Disturbing Anything – If asbestos-containing materials (like insulation, old tiles, or pipes) have been damaged, avoid touching or moving […]
What Should You Do If You Touch Asbestos?
If you touch asbestos, it’s important to take specific steps to minimize your exposure and prevent the spread of asbestos fibers. Here are the steps to follow: 1. Avoid Further Contact Immediately stop touching the material and move away from the area to prevent further exposure. 2. Do Not Disturb the Material Do not attempt […]
Asbestos Siding Removal Costs 2025
Removing asbestos siding is a specialized task that requires professional handling due to the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. In 2025, the cost of removing asbestos siding varies based on factors such as the size of the area, the condition of the siding, and regional pricing differences. Average Costs: Per Square Foot: The cost […]
Asbestos Siding Removal Costs 2024
Read on to learn more about Asbestos Siding Removal Costs Average Costs: Per square foot: The typical range falls between $5 and $15 per square foot, with an average of $8 per square foot. Total project cost: For a typical 1,500-square-foot house, expect to pay around $7,500 to $22,500, with an average of $12,000. Asbestos Siding Removal Costs Per Sq. Ft & Per Hour […]
What Are OSHA Asbestos Training Requirements
According to EPA.gov, OSHA now requires employers to establish and continue participation in an asbestos training program for employees that might be exposed to fiber levels that are either anticipated or measured at/above permissible exposure limits. OSHA training programs consist of initial classroom training and annual online refresher courses. Permissible exposure limits are 0.1 fibers […]
Asbestos and Wittenoom, Australia. A Lesson From History.
Wittenoom is a town in Western Australia that became notorious for its severe asbestos contamination. The history of Wittenoom and asbestos is a significant and tragic example of the dangers associated with asbestos exposure. Background: Asbestos Mining: Wittenoom was the site of one of the largest asbestos mines in the world. The Wittenoom mine operated […]
How Can I Tell If My Home Contains Asbestos
Determining if your home contains asbestos can be challenging because asbestos fibers are not visible to the naked eye. Asbestos was commonly used in various building materials until it was largely banned for residential use due to health concerns. To assess the presence of asbestos in your home, consider the following steps: Know the Age […]
Removing Asbestos From Walls
Removing asbestos from walls should only be done by licensed professionals due to the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. Here are the general steps involved in asbestos removal from walls: Assessment: A licensed asbestos inspector assesses the area to determine the presence and extent of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). This typically involves testing samples. Preparation: […]
Insulating Existing Walls
nsulating existing walls can be a beneficial home improvement project that helps improve energy efficiency, maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, and reduce heating and cooling costs. The method you choose for insulating existing walls depends on various factors, including the type of wall construction and your budget. Here are some common methods for insulating existing […]
Update on Regulations Affecting Asbestos
10/19/2003 Our current federal asbestos regulations that you are all familiar with (NESHAP, AHERA, MAP and OSHA) have been with us in some form since about 1970 and have not changed since about 1994 (about 30 years). The EPA asbestos NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants) regulates the generation through disposal of regulated […]
Why You Should Not Touch Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was once commonly used in various construction and industrial applications due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. However, asbestos is now known to be highly hazardous to human health. Here are some reasons why you should not touch or disturb asbestos: Health Risks: Asbestos fibers are microscopic […]
Will Asbestos Ever Be Safe?
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral fiber, has been widely recognized as a health hazard due to its association with serious diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Given its well-documented health risks, it is unlikely that asbestos will ever be considered completely safe. However, steps can be taken to mitigate its risks and reduce […]
Honesty in The Asbestos Control Industry
The following are common talking points in the Asbestos industry…. followed by a few clarifying notes… How many people die each year from an asbestos disease in the U.S.? 40,0001 20,0002 15,0003 “thousands”4 Where does the asbestos exposure come from? How long is an asbestos latency period? How does banning use and imports lower the […]
Does Asbestos Poison The Ground?
No, asbestos does not poison the ground. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that is not water-soluble. This means that it cannot dissolve in water and seep into the ground. However, asbestos can be released into the air when it is disturbed, such as during demolition or renovation work. If inhaled, asbestos fibers can […]
What Were The Advantages of Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that has been used in a variety of products for its fire resistance, strength, and durability. Some of the advantages of asbestos include: Fire resistance: Asbestos is highly resistant to heat and flames, making it a good material for fireproofing. It was often used in construction materials, such as […]
Will There Always Be A Danger From Asbestos?
Asbestos is a hazardous material that has been linked to serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. While the dangers of asbestos are well-documented, the risk associated with it depends on several factors: 1. Presence of Asbestos: Building Materials: Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials like insulation, roofing, flooring, and pipe insulation […]
