Q: My home was built after the cutoff date, there is no way there is asbestos, right ?
A: Incorrect, many materials already contain asbestos and materials are also being shipped into the US from other countries where asbestos is not illegal daily.
Q: Can you tell me over the phone how many samples will need to be collected?
- We follow the State Regulations regarding the minimum number of samples that need to be collected. Although we can advise how many samples need to be collected per the state minimum, the actual number of samples that will need to be collected is determined by a Certified Asbestos Building Inspector on-site when he is visually able to inspect and determine what materials are suspect for asbestos, and the quantity of those materials.
Q: Can you test the air for asbestos?
- Yes, we can test the air for asbestos. There are two situations where this is frequently needed. When an asbestos spill is caused and when an abatement has been completed and we are confirming there is no asbestos remaining in the air.
Q. What is an asbestos spill?
- An asbestos spill is where asbestos containing materials were improperly disturbed or damaged, resulting in asbestos fibers being released into the air. There are two types of asbestos spills, major and minor. When a major spill occurs, Spill Delineation is required, and when a Minor Spill Occurs, Spill Delineation is recommended.
Q: Is asbestos dangerous?
- Yes, there is no safe exposure level of asbestos. Asbestos exposure can cause various health issues and diseases such as Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, and Lung Cancer.
Q: What materials contain asbestos?
- So many typical household items are suspect to contain asbestos. Per the State of Colorado, all suspect materials must be assumed to contain asbestos until they are inspected by a certified building inspector. Some of those materials include but are not limited to; floor tiles, textured surfacing materials, insulation, roofing materials, and mastic and glue. For a comprehensive list of what materials are considered suspect for asbestos, check out our blog: https://www.buildsafeenvironmental.com/asbestos-what-materials-are-considered-suspect/
Q: Can you tell if a material has asbestos by looking at it?
- No, we have to assume it is asbestos containing, until an asbestos inspection has been completed. We have to collect physical samples of the material and take it to the laboratory to be analyzed for asbestos.
Q: What is asbestos?
- Asbestos is a group of six naturally occuring minerals composed of soft, flexible fibers that are strong, durable, heat-resistant, non-corrosive, non-conductive, sound dampening and are used in over 3000 building products. Sounds great right? Sure, these factors make it a useful mineral, however, they also make asbestos exposure extremely dangerous and highly toxic.
Q: How is asbestos removed?
- When asbestos is identified, an abatement will need to be completed by a Certified Asbestos Abatement Contractor. Even the disposal of asbestos has its own set of regulations.
Q: When do I need to have an asbestos inspection?
- PRIOR to damaging or disturbing any material that is suspect for asbestos. It is much more cost effective to do the inspection up front rather than paying for a spill delineation.
Q: When does asbestos become dangerous?
- Asbestos becomes dangerous as soon as it becomes airborne, which is why it is IMPERATIVE to test materials prior to disturbing them. Once the asbestos becomes airborne, you then breathe in the fibers. Jeopardizing your health and safety.
If you have additional questions regarding asbestos testing or regulations, we are here to help! Give us a call at 720-598-0601
