Maryland (MD) Asbestos Removal & Abatement Resources:

The Maryland Department of the Environment recognizes asbestos as a "naturally occurring mineral found in certain rock formations that is mined from open pit mines" (2).  The three types of asbestos found most frequently in the United States are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite (2). Because of its high tensile strength and thermal insulations properties, asbestos is commonly used in building products such as acoustic insulation, thermal insulation, fireproofing, and other materials (3). Unfortunately, when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, such as during a renovation or demolition, the short, thin asbestos fibers can be released into the air, where they can be inhaled into the lungs (2).  Since there is no safe level of asbestos exposure, the State of Maryland and the United States Government regulates how people work with asbestos including the removal, repair or encapsulation of asbestos, the approval of asbestos training providers, the regulation of people accredited to perform asbestos work, and asbestos in school buildings (2).  These regulations are designed to create a minimum disturbance of asbestos-containing materials, so that fewer asbestos fibers become airborne.  Fortunately, all licensed asbestos workers are highly trained professionals who are aware of the best ways to keep themselves, others, and the environment safe during asbestos abatement.

Asbestos Professionals

In Maryland, asbestos workers are broken down into five categories, including inspectors, management planners, project designers, workers, and supervisors (5).  Each of these types of professionals must undergo training from an accredited training provider before they can become licensed workers (5).  Since each kind of professional has different duties and responsibility the content and intensity of the courses vary.  The initial training programs range from two to five seven-hour days (5).  Two-day training courses are provided to already accredited inspectors who wish to become management planners; three-day courses are required for project designers and inspectors; four-day courses are mandated for workers, and supervisors must take a five-day course to be accredited (5). The training does not stop once a worker is licensed in a particular area.  In fact, all licenses expire after one year, so workers must complete annual refresher classes that are one day long before they can work again (5). If more than one year passes after a license expires and a worker has not completed the refresher course, then he or she must take the initial course again (5). There are seventeen approved asbestos training providers within Maryland alone that can offer courses that adhere with all state and federal regulations (1). These strict training programs keep workers informed of how to keep themselves, residents, and the environment safe from asbestos exposure, so experts should always be hired for all asbestos handling.

 
Asbestos Abatement Regulations

In Maryland, all regulated buildings must comply with the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (6).  To meet these standards, a certified inspector must inspect the building prior to any demolition or renovation activities (6).  The amount and types of asbestos present must be reported to the Environmental Protection Agency along with any plans to control emissions (6).  If the amount of regulated asbestos-containing material is greater than 260 linear feet, 160 square feet, or 35 cubic feet, then written notification must be submitted at least ten working days before any demolition or renovation is begun (6).  All of the regulated asbestos-containing material must be removed from the building before any activities occur that could potentially damage or disturb the material, and Maryland requires that all asbestos abatement is performed using the regulations set forth by the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (6).

The regulations written by the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants are all set forth to minimize the amount of asbestos fibers that become airborne during removal, transportation, and disposal (4).  For example, all asbestos-containing material that is to be handled must be adequately wetted and remain thoroughly wetted until they are contained in leak-tight containers that are labeled "DANGER. CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS.  AVOID CREATING DUST.  CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD" (4).  Wetting must be completed by spraying it with a wetting agent that is usually water to which surfactant chemicals have been added (4).  There are even specific wetting procedures used to different kinds of asbestos-containing material (4). The wetting process is only one of the requirements that must be followed when handling asbestos.  There are many more equally specific regulations in all aspects of asbestos inspection, planning, removal, air monitoring, site preparation, safety equipment and gear, medical monitoring, and a variety of other areas (4).  It is for this reason that all work completed on a regulated facility must be handled by professionals who have undergone training.  Since most individuals are not aware of the entirety of these regulations, while it is legal for homeowners of buildings with fewer than four dwelling units to complete their own abatement, it is certainly not recommended.

The regulations that workers must adhere to are very stringent, yet they are crucial when handling such a dangerous material.  All licensed asbestos workers are highly trained to know what regulations apply under which circumstances and how best to work to the federal and state standards.  For this reason, it is always best that even private homeowners hire professionals for all asbestos-related projects.  Fortunately, there are plenty of licensed professionals in Maryland who can assess situations involving asbestos and if necessary make plans to solve any problems and execute those plans. 

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