Asbestos is the general term for six naturally occurring minerals. The durable, insulating, and fireproofing characteristics of asbestos made it an ideal choice for building products. During remodeling projects, asbestos-containing products can be damaged or destroyed, which releases harmful asbestos fibers into the air. When inhaled, these fibers can lead to serious health outcomes, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. It is crucial to understand where asbestos might be in your home before starting any renovation or demolition projects.
If it is determined, through laboratory sampling, that asbestos is present in the building materials that are or will be damaged during repair or renovation projects, there are options:
- Leave it alone. If it isn’t damaged and won’t be disturbed, this can be the best option.
- Repair and encapsulate. Sometimes asbestos-containing materials can be repaired and encapsulated rather than removed.
- Remove it. There are two options for removal, with distinct requirements depending on whether it is a resident homeowner doing the work alone, or not.
Details on the asbestos requirements and guidance documents, are here.
