Asbestos Siding Law
Today, the health dangers of asbestos are widely known, but this wasn't always the case. Many homes and public buildings in the United States still contain asbestos siding. If you own or are selling a property that contains asbestos siding, it is important to learn about the asbestos siding law and asbestos abatement options in your state.
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About Asbestos
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Asbestos is a mineral-substance that has water and fire resistant properties as well as insulating capabilities. Because of this, asbestos used to be a common building material before it was discovered that exposure to asbestos and inhalation of asbestos particles can lead to lung damage and certain types of cancer. Today, asbestos siding is no longer used, and the EPA has classified asbestos as a hazardous material.
Asbestos Siding Law
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Because of the risk of damaging the siding and releasing particulates into the air, removal of asbestos is considered to be the most risky and the least preferred option for dealing with asbestos.
Under the National Emission Standards Hazardous Air Pollution Act (NESHAP) the repair of asbestos siding, the removal of asbestos, and demolition of public buildings and some residential apartment complexes containing asbestos are closely regulated by the EPA, state and local agencies.
With private homes, there is no federal asbestos siding law governing the removal and repair other than that it should be removed by a qualified asbestos abatement professional. Some states, however, do have specific laws regarding the removal of asbestos from private homes and the procedures for renovating and demolishing them if they contain asbestos siding. For this reason, it is a good idea to check the laws in your state.
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Asbestos Abatement Services
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Asbestos abatement or removal services exist in all states and are made up of specialists who are required to complete EPA Asbestos removal training. If a licensed asbestos inspector determines that the asbestos siding in your home should be removed, only an asbestos abatement service should be responsible for the removal, due to the health risks involved. When hiring one, make sure that it has been accredited by the EPA.
Seller Disclosure and Asbestos Siding Law
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In all states, home sellers are required by law to disclose the presence of asbestos to homebuyers, particularly if it is damaged or crumbling. In some states, sellers may be required to have it removed before they can legally sell their home.
If Asbestos Is Present In Your Home or Building
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If you discover that asbestos siding is present in a home or building that you own, there are several things that you can do to reduce the risk of exposure to asbestos particulates. If your asbestos siding appears to be in good condition, the best thing to do is to leave it alone. If it is damaged, you can hire a professional to seal the asbestos insulation so that the fibers bind together, or hire an asbestos abatement service to have it safely removed.
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References
- Photo Credit house image by Cora Reed from Fotolia.com
