Asbestos is a well-known carcinogen that can be found in building materials. When asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are damaged or “friable,” asbestos fibers can be released into the air presenting a health risk to building occupants or workers from inhalation.

The presence or absence of asbestos fibers in building materials cannot be determined based only on visual identification – sampling and laboratory analysis of the material is required, which is accomplished through an Asbestos Survey or Asbestos Screening. It is important for building purchasers and owners to know whether their building has ACM so that they can be safely managed. If asbestos containing building materials are in good condition and the asbestos is “sealed”, it can usually be safely managed in place through an Operations & Maintenance Plan.

Asbestos surveys are commonly required as part of due diligence during commercial real estate transactions or financing, as well as prior to demolition or renovation of buildings.

Buildings constructed prior to 1981 have the greatest risk of having ACM. It is prudent to obtain an asbestos survey on these facilities when suspect ACM is identified, especially if they are in a damaged or friable condition. Many people are under the impression that only older buildings are at risk of containing ACM, which is not true. Asbestos continues to be manufactured and used in some building materials to this day, though much less commonly.

Therefore, it is important that prior to a demolition or renovation of any building, regardless of the construction date, suspect ACM should be identified prior to disturbance – this is a federal requirement. This is a safeguard since renovation and demolition activities can release asbestos fibers into the air, where they could be inhaled by building occupants and workers. Many local building departments will not issue building permits until an asbestos survey is completed.