California (CA) Asbestos Removal & Abatement Resources:

The California Environmental Health Laboratory Branch of the Indoor Air Quality Program defines asbestos as a mined mineral fiber that his "heat resistant, resistant to chemical attack, has excellent tensile strength, and has high electrical resistance" (4).  Because of these properties, asbestos was found to be useful as electrical and thermal insulation, so it was commonly used in building materials (4).  The California Department of Health Services warns that dwellings constructed after the 1950s often contained materials that included asbestos mixed with other materials, like paper or fiberglass (4).  While the most commonly reported material that contains asbestos in California homes is "cottage-cheese ceiling insulation,"  it can also be found in some floor tiles, patching compounds, furnaces, stove and pipe insulation,  some heat resistant gaskets, some roofing and siding materials, and some appliances that were produced before 1979 (4).  California recognizes that being in the vicinity or even touching materials that contain asbestos fibers is not harmful to one’s health (4).  However, when the fibers are disturbed, they can become airborne where they can be inhaled and become lodged in the tubules of the lungs (4).  While most people who are exposed to minor amounts of asbestos are not affected, regular exposure can increase the occurrence of lung diseases, especially in smokers (4).  Unfortunately, when demolition or renovation projects are undertaken in homes containing asbestos, it is likely that any material containing asbestos will be disturbed, sending asbestos fibers dangerously into the air.  Because of this, many home and business owners choose to have their homes tested for asbestos content before beginning any projects to ensure that any asbestos is contained properly before it has the chance to become damaged. 

Hiring a Professional

The state of California requires all contractors and employees who work on asbestos projects that involve more than 100 square feet with a concentration of more than 0.1% asbestos to register with the Asbestos Contractors’ Registration Unit (1).  The state of California separates certification for handling asbestos into five "disciplines" for training, which include worker, contractor/supervisor, building inspector, management planner and project designer (2).   Obviously, the courses required for these specialties contain different content and requirements, but to stay certified in any of these areas a worker must complete an initial course and annual renewal courses (1).  All of these courses must be completed with a certified training facility that adheres to strict regulations and rules (1).  For this reason, it is important to let certified workers who are trained in safety handle any projects related to asbestos.

Testing

It is impossible to detect the presence of damaged or intact asbestos fibers simply through a visual inspection (4).  For this reason, a licensed professional with specialized equipment must be hired for the job.  By using a polarized light microscope, lab technicians can examine a sample and determine whether or not the sample is dangerous (4).  Fortunately, these tests are inexpensive, costing around $35 for a sample, and there are 38 certified laboratories in California alone that are permitted to test for asbestos (4).   If the area is found to have damaged asbestos fibers present, California recognizes three options: have it professionally removed, contain the fibers with sealants, or simply live with the asbestos (2).  Unfortunately, in renovation and demolition situations, sealants will not be able to protect workers from asbestos exposure once it is damaged, and the concentration of asbestos may be unsafe once the materials become damaged, so abatement may be necessary in some situations.

Asbestos Abatement

If it is determined that asbestos must be removed from an area, workers must take many necessary precautions to adhere to regulations.  First, workers must wear respirators and certain protective clothing depending on the concentration of asbestos in the area in which they are working (3).  The other procedural regulations also differ depending on whether the removal is classified as a Class I, Class II, Class III, or Class IV removal.  For purposes of generality, a Class II removal is a common removal that includes the removal of wallboard, floor tiles, sheeting, roofing, and other constructions materials that contain asbestos (3).  A Class II asbestos removal must take place within a regulated area that is enclosed from other areas that are to remain uncontaminated (3).  Within the area, there must be an approved air system to ensure that there is no undue contamination, and all materials containing asbestos must be saturated with amended water before it is removed to avoid sending damaged fibers into the air (3).  In addition, all tiles, roofing, flooring, and other materials should be removed in an intact state unless it is demonstrated by the contractor that it is impossible (3).  Sanding or dry cutting of these materials is not permitted as a form of removal.  For even more safety, all material that has damaged fibers must not be thrown or dropped to the ground, but lowered carefully and immediately stored in closed receptacles or bags that are labeled with the warning "Danger.  Contains asbestos fibers. Avoid creating dust. Cancer and Lung Disease Hazard" (5).  When all asbestos is removed, the area must be thoroughly cleaned using a HEPA dust collector or vacuum and wet cleaned.  No dry sweeping is permitted under any circumstances.  All certified asbestos workers in California are familiar with the intricacies and exceptions to these rules, and they will follow every regulation to ensure the maximum level of safety for their workers.

Once the area is free of asbestos, it is the contractor’s responsibility to arrange appropriate disposal of the airtight, sealed containers containing hazardous asbestos waste.  This process also has many regulations regarding where the waste can be taken and in what quantities.  Again, this is a situation in which those handling the asbestos must have specific knowledge and training.  If you are planning on undertaking a demolition or renovation project and you suspect that you may have asbestos in your home, speak with a certified California contractor about your options.

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