Finding out that your property may contain asbestos can feel unsettling. Asbestos was widely used in 20th-century building materials for its fire resistance, durability, and insulation. However, it is now known that when asbestos materials are damaged or disturbed, they release microscopic fibers into the air, which can be hazardous when inhaled. Understanding the steps to take if you suspect asbestos in your building is essential for protecting both your health and safety.
Here’s what you need to know if you think your property may contain asbestos, including how to identify potential materials, what to do to stay safe, and how to handle testing and removal if necessary.
Understanding Asbestos: When It’s a Hazard and When It’s Not
The mere presence of asbestos in a building is not always an immediate health risk. Asbestos-containing materials become a hazard when they are “friable,” meaning they can easily crumble or turn to powder when dry, releasing harmful fibers into the air. Activities such as cutting, grinding, or drilling can damage asbestos-containing materials, creating a potential exposure risk.
According to OSHA, friable asbestos materials pose a greater risk because they release fibers more easily. However, materials that are intact and undisturbed, like floor tiles or wallboard, may not pose a significant threat. It’s important to be cautious about handling any suspected asbestos materials and to seek guidance from professionals.
Common Building Materials That May Contain Asbestos
Asbestos was widely used in construction and may be present in a range of materials, especially in buildings constructed before the 1980s. Here are some materials commonly found in older structures that may contain asbestos:
- Cement pipes and cement wallboard
- HVAC duct insulation
- Fire blankets and boiler insulation
- Floor tiles and adhesives
- Pipe insulation
- Decorative plaster and asphalt
- Vinyl wall coverings and elevator equipment panels
This list is not comprehensive, as asbestos may be present in other materials, too. If you think your property may have asbestos, contact a licensed inspector for a professional assessment.
Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality Regulations
In Arkansas, the only way to confirm the presence of asbestos is by having a licensed asbestos inspector take samples from the materials in question and send them to a certified laboratory for analysis. Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) regulations mandate that only licensed inspectors can perform asbestos testing. This regulation does not apply to single-family homes used exclusively as residences.
If you live in a residential home, testing is still strongly recommended if you plan to renovate, remodel, or disturb any materials that may contain asbestos. A professional assessment can help ensure you’re taking the safest possible approach.
Steps to Take If You Suspect Asbestos in Your Property
1. Avoid Disturbing Potential Asbestos Materials
If you suspect asbestos-containing materials are present, avoid touching, cutting, or drilling into them. Asbestos only becomes dangerous when the fibers are released into the air. Maintaining the integrity of these materials is key to reducing any exposure risks.
2. Consult with a Licensed Asbestos Inspector
A licensed asbestos inspector is trained to identify materials that may contain asbestos and to take proper samples for laboratory analysis. They’ll assess your property, collect samples if necessary, and provide you with an analysis report. This step is crucial in confirming whether asbestos is present in your home or building.
Licensed asbestos inspectors also understand the safety protocols necessary to prevent fiber release during the sample collection process. In many cases, inspectors will advise you on whether asbestos removal is required or if the materials can be managed safely in place.
3. Review the Results and Consider Your Options
Once the laboratory confirms asbestos in your property, you’ll have two primary options: encapsulation or abatement.
- Encapsulation involves coating or sealing the asbestos-containing materials to prevent fiber release. This is often a suitable option if the materials are intact and unlikely to be disturbed.
- Abatement, or removal, is a more extensive procedure and is typically recommended if the materials are damaged or if they are likely to be disturbed due to renovations or repairs. In Arkansas, only licensed asbestos abatement contractors can perform this work.
4. Hire a Qualified Asbestos Abatement Contractor for Removal
If abatement is necessary, hiring a licensed abatement contractor is essential. These professionals are trained to safely remove asbestos, handle disposal, and clean the area to remove any remaining fibers.
Asbestos removal requires specialized equipment, techniques, and disposal procedures to ensure safety. Licensed contractors are equipped to handle these materials according to safety regulations and ensure the protection of building occupants.
What Are the Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure?
Asbestos fibers are invisible to the naked eye and inhaling them can have serious health consequences. Prolonged exposure to asbestos has been linked to several respiratory diseases, including asbestosis (scarring of lung tissue), mesothelioma (a rare and aggressive cancer), and lung cancer. The risk of these diseases grows with exposure, so limiting it whenever possible is important.
The Importance of Professional Help in Managing Asbestos
Managing asbestos is a serious responsibility that requires professional expertise. Whether testing, encapsulation, or removal, every step should be handled by licensed professionals. Handling asbestos-containing materials on your own can put you and others at unnecessary risk.
Key Takeaways
- Do not disturb materials you suspect contain asbestos; this minimizes the risk of fiber release.
- Consult a licensed asbestos inspector to test and confirm the presence of asbestos.
- If asbestos is confirmed, consider encapsulation or abatement based on the condition of the materials.
- Only licensed abatement contractors should handle asbestos removal to ensure safety and compliance with Arkansas regulations.
If you’re dealing with asbestos concerns in Arkansas, don’t face it alone. Contact Pro Service Builders today for expert guidance on asbestos inspection, containment, and abatement. Our licensed and experienced team is ready to assess your property, develop a safe removal plan, and protect the health of everyone in your building. Let us help you handle asbestos with care and confidence.