Asbestos is a hazardous material that was commonly used in construction before its health risks were known. It is now recognized as a carcinogen that can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other respiratory illnesses. As a result, the handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are regulated by federal and state agencies in order to protect public health and the environment.
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the handling and disposal of ACMs under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and the Clean Air Act (CAA). In addition, individual states may have their own regulations that are more stringent than federal requirements.
To determine the regulations for handling and disposing of ACMs in your state, you should first check with your state’s environmental agency. This agency may be called the Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Environmental Protection, or something similar. You can usually find contact information for the agency on the state government’s website.
Once you have identified the appropriate agency, you can ask about the specific regulations for handling and disposing of ACMs in your state. Here are some general guidelines that are likely to apply in most states:
Identification of ACMs: Before any demolition or renovation work is done on a building, an inspection must be conducted to identify any ACMs that may be present. This inspection is typically done by a licensed asbestos inspector.
Notification: If ACMs are found, the building owner or operator must notify the appropriate regulatory agency and any affected employees or tenants.
Handling: ACMs must be handled by trained and certified asbestos abatement professionals. They must use appropriate protective equipment and follow specific procedures for minimizing the release of asbestos fibers.
Disposal: ACMs must be disposed of in accordance with state and federal regulations. This typically involves sealing the material in leak-tight containers and transporting it to a specially designated landfill that is permitted to accept asbestos waste.
Recordkeeping: All aspects of the handling and disposal of ACMs must be documented and kept on file for a specified period of time. This documentation must be made available to regulatory agencies upon request.
Penalties: Violations of asbestos regulations can result in significant penalties, including fines and criminal charges.
In addition to these general guidelines, some states may have additional regulations that apply to specific situations. For example, some states may require additional notification or testing if ACMs are disturbed during construction activities.
It is important to note that the regulations for handling and disposing of ACMs are in place to protect public health and the environment. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in serious health risks and legal consequences. If you suspect that ACMs may be present in a building, it is important to contact a licensed asbestos inspector and follow all applicable regulations for handling and disposal.
