Asbestos Testing

Table of Contents

A Guide for Safety and Compliance

Guide to Asbestos Safety and Compliance

In California, asbestos-containing construction materials were phased out in 1980. However, asbestos is often discovered hidden behind walls and under flooring during extensive renovations in older structures. Asbestos is also commonly found in exterior transite tiles, especially in San Francisco. It’s essential to understand that the mere presence of asbestos doesn’t mean you’re at immediate risk; the material must be disturbed to release harmful fibers into the air. TEM asbestos testing can provide this crucial information.

The Crucial Role of Asbestos Testing

Asbestos, once a staple in construction, is now a recognized health hazard. This comprehensive guide delves into the importance of asbestos testing, underpinned by scientific research, to ensure safety in environments where asbestos might be present

Health Effects From Exposure

Prevention is Worth a Pound Of Cure

The adage “Prevention is better than cure” is particularly apt in the context of asbestos exposure. Conducting asbestos testing is a critical initial step in identifying potential hazardous materials, such as friable asbestos fibers, on a site before they become airborne and pose health risks. This is crucial for both homeowners and commercial property owners to identify the presence of Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) in their buildings. Recognizing these materials is essential for implementing the right safety measures during renovations or any activities that might disturb these substances.

Recent studies linking long-term occupational exposure to asbestos with specific cancers, caused by inhaling microscopic dust particles, underscore the urgency for comprehensive testing. These findings stress the importance of accurately evaluating risk factors prior to embarking on any renovation projects that might involve ACMs. Adopting all necessary safety measures when handling known dangers like asbestos is not just an act of responsible management; it is crucial for safeguarding the health and well-being of individuals now and in the future.

For further reading on the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, you can refer to these research papers:

“Asbestos in the air of public buildings: a public health risk?” – This paper examines the cancer risks associated with the presence of asbestos-containing materials in public buildings.

“Critical Issues on Health Risk of Asbestos” – This research delves into the health hazards of asbestos, including the increased risk of developing diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis due to asbestos inhalation.

Regulatory Requirements

Regulatory Requirements for Asbestos Testing

In the current era, asbestos testing is not merely a recommendation but a mandatory requirement. Regulatory authorities like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have set stringent guidelines to ensure the safety of buildings constructed before 1980. These buildings must be thoroughly inspected and tested for asbestos before any remodeling or repair work is undertaken.

EPA and AHERA Guidelines for Asbestos Testing

The EPA, through its Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), mandates that schools built before 1980 must undergo regular asbestos testing. This testing should occur every three years following the initial inspection to identify any risks posed by friable materials. AHERA’s regulations are intricate and require expert understanding. For more detailed information or to arrange an inspection, contacting a professional service is advisable.

EPA Asbestos-Related Laws: This page on the US EPA website lists the laws and regulations pertaining to asbestos implemented by the EPA and other federal agencies. It includes information on AHERA, which requires local educational agencies to inspect school buildings for asbestos-containing material, prepare management plans, and perform actions to prevent or reduce asbestos hazards.

  1. Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools Rule: This section of the EPA website provides details on the Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools Rule, which is part of AHERA. It outlines the requirements for local education agencies to inspect their school buildings for asbestos-containing building material and take necessary actions.
  2. Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan: This link leads to information about the Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan, which is a component of AHERA. It includes details on the accreditation requirements for individuals conducting asbestos inspection and corrective-action activities at schools.

OSHA Regulations and Worker Safety

Similarly, OSHA has enacted regulations to protect workers from asbestos exposure. These rules require medical monitoring for workers exposed to airborne asbestos concentrations above certain levels. Additionally, they mandate the use of appropriate respiratory equipment to prevent further contamination. Construction projects that involve disturbing Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) necessitate specialized training for on-site personnel and a thorough post-work inspection to ensure no contaminants have been released into the environment.

Local Regulations and Asbestos Removal Criteria

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District, for instance, has its own criteria for asbestos removal. Most building departments also demand an Asbestos Survey conducted by a licensed asbestos professional.

Advancements in Asbestos Testing Methods

There are various methods for sampling materials suspected of containing asbestos. These include traditional hand sampling with microscope analysis. This method is seldom used today and the accuracy extends to worker safety while wearing a mask. It is not used in asbestos clearance testing. We always use TEM level sampling that counts the asbestos fibers only. PCM air sampling counts the fibers that are the same size as asbestos but may be dirt of wood. 

There are some air monitors on the market that claim they can measure things like 1.01 PPM and 1.76 PPM. Side by side testing proves this isn’t true. We will be publishing these results at a later time along with an air monitor that we can recommend. 

Safety First in Renovation Projects

When planning renovations or other activities that might disturb materials like asbestos, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Investing in professional inspection services before starting any work on-site ensures that you are fully aware of the necessary precautions. This proactive approach is key to maintaining a safe environment during and after the completion of your project.

Types Of Asbestos Testing

When it comes to asbestos testing, there are several methods available depending on the situation and the desired results. Here, we will explore three of the most commonly used approaches:

  1. Hand sampling/microscopy analysis done on-site with a microscope. This method is seldom used today. It uses a low-magnification device (iPhone-like) that can easily confuse asbestos fibers with dust. Our opinion is this method is not accurate enough to be considered.

  2. Asbestos-approved environmental air sampling using PLM (400-micron analysis) or TEM (2000-micron analysis). TEM uses an SEM microscope and is legally required for schools, government buildings, and other public buildings.

  3. Polarized light microscopy (PLM) is often used when trying to identify types of ACMs present within an area by analyzing fiber characteristics such as shape, size, and color, while more advanced methods like scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allow for greater precision when determining the exact amount of fibers present.

  4. Bulk material testing involves collecting small pieces of suspected material for licensed asbestos laboratory analysis in order to identify if they contain asbestos fibers above the allowed limits that will require asbestos abatement before your planned remodel or repairs.

TEM and PCM air sampling require a specific calibrated pumps that sucks air into a cassette that is taken, with a chain of custody, to an approved, licensed environmental lab. These sample results can be rushed to 4 hours turn-around time, if necessary. Otherwise, the standard three day turn-around time is much less expensive. We strive to accommodate your project. Rush samples are much less expensive than having a construction crew standing by waiting for the results.

Clearly, then, when selecting an appropriate method for asbestos testing, careful consideration must be taken as to what best meets both your time and budgetary requirements while also ensuring adequate safety measures are followed at all times in order to protect everyone involved from exposure risks associated with disturbing existing ACMs (asbestos-containing materials).

Links

Environmental Testing in the San Francisco Bay Area.

668 Madrid St. | PO Box 12479

San Francisco, CA 94112

 

American Air Testing