What is Asbestos?

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. has been responding to an increasing number of phone calls in our office from building owners seeking guidance as to what is asbestos, what hazards are associated with the substance, and what should be done when the material is discovered.

The information presented here is meant as a brief overview of a very complex issue that has influenced legal and ethical considerations worldwide. This information should not be used for guidance in addressing a perceived asbestos problem. Perform proper due diligence by researching all OSHA, EPA, Federal, state, local, and site-specific rules and regulations. Directly consult the professionals to ensure your issue in adequately addressed. The recent trial in Libby, Montana involving the W.R. Grace & Company is a mere blip on the radar of actionable cases across the globe.

The etymology of asbestos has two derived meanings from the Greek ἄσβεστος; according to the Oxford English Dictionary, asbestos is an adjective meaning inextinguishable or unquenchable. Asbestos has properties that made the substance an attractive product to manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century as it is resistance to heat, electricity and chemical damage while providing sound absorption and tensile strength.

Asbestos may be present in a number of building materials according to the EPA, including, but not limited to: joint compound, vinyl floor tiles, sheeting, adhesives, roofing tars, felts, siding, and shingles, fireproofing, caulk, brake pads/shoes, fire blankets, fire door, pipe insulation, concrete, and interior fire doors.

As stated on the EPA web site, asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become airborne when asbestos- containing materials (ACM) are damaged or disturbed. When these fibers get into the air they may be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause significant health problems.

Major health problems associated with long term exposure to asbestos includes,
Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

Due to the significant health risks associated with long term contact with airborne asbestos fibers, it is essential that prior to any major renovation project or demolition job, that a comprehensive NESHAP Asbestos Survey be completed by a professionally licensed environmental consultant company.

NESHAP stands for National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. Prior to any demolition or renovation in a commercial or public building, government regulations state that an asbestos survey must be completed. A licensed inspector will perform the sampling and create a user-friendly report to identify whether the materials tested positive or negative for asbestos containing materials (ACM).

All samples are analyzed by a licensed analyst from an independent third party laboratory which is accredited by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and takes part in the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP).

Only an experienced, licensed, and professional contractor such as Champion Environmental Services, Inc. should remove identified contaminants. If you suspect asbestos is present prior to a project, contact a local environmental consultant who can properly advise you as to how the “hot spots” should be dealt with.

Despite a number of bans and regulatory measure across the globe, asbestos still maintains an active foothold in the mining industry. According to the British Geological Survey on world mineral production for 2002-2006 released in 2008, 2,300,000 tons of asbestos was mined worldwide [Link to the report: http://nora.nerc.ac.uk/3260/2/FINAL_WMP_2002_2006_COMPLETE_WEB.pdf].

Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is pleased to be recognized as a trusted entity acting as a steward of the people and environment in an attempt to create a cleaner, healthier, safer environment for generations to come.