 All of Environmental One's bulk sampling and air sampling is conducted by a Certified Asbestos Consultant. Our standard turn-around time for sample analysis is 24 hours from the time the laboratory receives the samples. However, we can provide results in as little as 3 hours if needed. We also provide expedited services for our sampling, typically conducting a survey either the same day or the following day depending on our clients' objectives.
Call us toll free at 1-888-ONE-1181 or e-mail us for further information or to schedule an asbestos survey, asbestos abatement monitoring, or final clearance air sampling.
We also provide asbestos air sampling for indoor air quality, asbestos abatement monitoring, and final clearance following asbestos abatement. We highly recommend final clearance air sampling after asbestos abatement is completed both to reduce liability and also to ensure that a building or space is safe for re-occupation. This sampling can also be viewed as a quality control procedure to ensure that asbestos abatement was successful. By conducting the final clearance air samples, you will have documentation on record to support that the asbestos abatement was completed in accordance with applicable regulations and that the ambient air in the work area is clean.
Our asbestos surveys are typically conducted at residential and commercial properties that are planned for renovation or demolition. Our surveys are conducted in accordance with guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the requirements of Rule 1403 of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). Samples are submitted to laboratories accredited under the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute for Standards and Technology.
The SCAQMD is the governmental agency in Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties, that enforces United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) asbestos regulations.
An asbestos survey is required prior to the start of any renovation or demolition project in order to determine the presence of asbestos-containing materials (Rule 1403, SCAQMD).
° SCAQMD Rule 1403 establishes notification and work practice requirements to limit asbestos emissions from building demolition and renovation activities. California law requires that a copy of the asbestos demolition/renovation notification form be provided to your local city permitting department prior to the issuance of a demolition/renovation permit. Local governments are responsible for the asbestos notification process.
° A notification form is required to be sent to the SCAQMD 14 days prior to the start of any demolition (if asbestos is present or not) or any asbestos removal of equal to or more than 100 square feet. A notification form is not required for renovations where no asbestos is present. Again, an survey must be conducted to determine whether asbestos is present or not.
° When conducting asbestos removal of less than 100 square feet, no notification to SCAQMD is required. However, the asbestos must be removed by a state licensed asbestos abatement contractor.
° Asbestos notification forms are sent to SCAQMD by the asbestos abatement contractor. The only exception to this is a "demolition by owner", a home owner who is a permanent resident at the house. In this case the owner would send the notification form. However, if asbestos was present in the residence, most asbestos abatement contractors will assist you in filling out the form.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral. There are two groups of asbestos minerals, Serpentines and Amphiboles. Approximately 95% of all asbestos found in buildings is called Chrysotile, the only asbestos mineral in the Serpentine group. Other more commonly found asbestos minerals are Amosite, Crocidolite, and Tremolite - all found within the Amphibole group. Less common asbestos minerals are of little commercial value and are usually only found as contaminants in asbestos-containing materials, if at all.
What make asbestos a valuable commodity?
Asbestos is cost effective, fire resistant, has high tensile strength, and is a very poor heat, electrical, and sound conductor. Because of these properties, asbestos is found as an insulating wrap around building components such as pipes, heating units, and electrical wires, and in roof tiles, building siding, fireproofing, and acoustical ceiling texture (see list of common asbestos asbestos products below).
What are the uses of asbestos?
It is estimated that asbestos has been used in over 3000 products. Collectively, these products are known as asbestos-containing material (ACM). The most common applications of asbestos found in residential buildings are identified below:
- Sprayed-on acoustical ceiling texture
- Vinyl floor tile and associated adhesive
- Pipe insulation and elbow packing
- HVAC duct insulation
- Cement products such as siding, roof shingles, and pipes
- Window putty
- Stucco
- Joint Compound
When is asbestos dangerous?
In general, asbestos is dangerous when it becomes airborne. Asbestos becomes airborne when an asbestos product is disturbed. Renovation and demolition activities are obvious situations where asbestos products are disturbed. However, other less obvious scenarios such as an earthquake, strong air current, sanding, and abrasive foot traffic can release asbestos fibers into the air. Asbestos can also be ingested or absorbed into skin (usually only documented with asbestos removal workers).
Are asbestos products still used today in the United States?
Yes. Many of the original restrictions placed on the commerce and use of asbestos products authorized by the U.S. EPA under the authority of the Clean Air Act (NESHAP) and the Toxic Substances Control Act were later repealed or revised. The only U.S. EPA bans remaining today are identified below:
- Corrugated paper
- Rollboard
- Commercial paper
- Specialty paper
- Flooring felt
- Wet-applied and pre-formed pipe insulation
- Pre-formed block insulation on boilers and hot water tanks
- Most sprayed-on surfacing material (some exceptions apply)
- New uses of asbestos are not allowed
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has bans on two additional uses of asbestos products:
- Patching compounds
- Artificial ash and embers for fireplaces
In summary, it is perfectly legal to mine, manufacture, process, import and export, distribute, sell, and use most asbestos-containing products under existing federal law with the exception of those identified above.
How do I know if a product contains asbestos?
Contact the manufacturer, dealer, or supplier of the product. Another option is to refer to the product's material safety data sheet (MSDS). If that is not feasible you may want to consider having the product sampled by an asbestos professional. If conducting a demolition or renovation, federal and state law requires that an asbestos survey be conducted prior to disturbing the subject areas.
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