Asbestos

Asbestos Does Not Always Have To Be Removed . . .

     The Massachusetts Association of Realtors legal department receives many inquiries about the presence of asbestos in real property.  Asbestos is a naturally occurring material which is heat resistant.  As a result, asbestos was commonly used in building materials such as ceiling and floor tiles, insulation, pipe covering, and outdoor shingles.  The use of asbestos has been generally prohibited since 1978.  Even if a building was constructed after 1978 it may still contain asbestos since older building materials may have been used in the construction.  Numerous local, state and federal authorities regulate the use, storage, transport and removal of asbestos.

     The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) states that if asbestos is in good condition, and it does not pose a health hazard, the law does not require that it be removed.  Local cities and towns, however, may have more specific regulations that should be checked to ascertain removal requirements.  Property owners, however, are required to keep asbestos in good condition to prevent releases of emissions which could be harmful.  Asbestos containment and removal are governed by federal, state and local regulations.

     Asbestos removal is striclty regulated and homeowners should be cautioned about the health and legal hazards of attempting to remove asbestos themselves.  In short, do NOT try to remove asbestos insulation yourself.  For more information regarding the removal of asbestos, homeowners should visit the DEP website or their local Board of Health.

Asbestos – Environmental Protection Agency

http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/

Asbestos Air Pollution – Environmental Protection Agency

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/asbestos.html

Safety and Health – U.S. Department of Labor

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/asbestos/

Asbestos Exposure FAQ’S

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/asbestos

Asbestos Safety Library

http://www.pp.okstate.edu/ehs/links/asbestos.htm

Asbestos Removal Specialists

http://www.bannerenvironmental.com/

Testing for Asbestos

http://www.asbestostestinglab.com/testing.html