Generally, asbestos-containing materials do not have to be removed from residential property. In fact, asbestos-containing materials do not have to be removed from any residential structures unless they will be disturbed during renovations or demolition activities. As long as the asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and will not be disturbed; they do not pose a significant health risk.

Only if done in accordance with the National Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos 2nd Edition [NOHSC:2002(2005)]. It is recommended that you engage a licensed asbestos removal contractor to undertake even minor work. If it is more than 10 square metres you should use a licensed asbestos removalist.

Technically, there are no regulations that forbid a homeowner from removing asbestos in their own home themselves, but we strongly advise against it for a number of reasons: Asbestos is a known human carcinogen. If it is removed improperly, it can cause your home to be seriously contaminated. Professional cleanup of the contamination, could be more costly than if the abatement had originally been performed by professionals. Children are particularly susceptible to asbestos related disease.

If you think asbestos may be in your home, don't panic! Usually the best thing is to leave asbestos material that is in good condition alone, since material in good condition will not release asbestos fibers. There is no danger unless fibers are released and inhaled into the lungs. If asbestos material is more than slightly damaged, or if you are going to make changes in your home that might disturb it, repair or removal by a professional is needed.

Asbestos is a known environmental hazard, which has been discontinued in residential construction since 1978. However, there are still thousands of older homes that contain this potentially lethal material. Asbestos was used for generations in residential construction, primarily as an insulation material.

Only certified professionals are allowed to take samples for laboratory analysis and only an accredited laboratory can positively identify asbestos containing materials. Contact a professional trained in asbestos regulations if you want a survey conducted for your building.

If the asbestos is in an unregulated structure, it is not subject to the regulations and therefore a specialist is not required to remove it (see the section below titled "Who must notify" if you are unsure about what types of structures are regulated).

No, asbestos is only a risk to health when in a poor condition or it is disturbed so that it releases fibres. Examples of poor condition would be where asbestos lagging is hanging off pipe work or where asbestos-insulating board is broken and debris is on the floor. Two main ways disturbance could occur is through maintenance work or workplace activities that repeatedly damage the material eg a trolley or a forklift truck that scrapes against asbestos-insulating board.

Unless the insulation is labeled as asbestos you can not tell if it is asbestos-containing. To determine the presence of asbestos Ohio law and rules require that persons certified as Asbestos Hazard Evaluation Specialists be used to identify, detect and assess asbestos-containing materials. This list is also available free of charge by contacting Ohio Department of Health Asbestos Program (614) 466-0061.

The most accurate way to find out if your fibro sheeting contains asbestos is to have a licensed asbestos removal contractor inspect and analyse it. You can't tell it's asbestos just by looking at it. Check the building specifications. This may indicate whether asbestos was used in the building material at the time of construction.

The only sure way to find out if there is asbestos in any product is to take a sample of the product and have it analyzed by a NVLAP approved lab. Advanced Environmental has qualified and licensed inspectors and can take a sample and send it to an approved lab for you.

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals that have long been known to have useful properties such as strength, flexibility, and heat resistance. These minerals are essentially a type of stone that can be woven into fabric and used in construction materials.

Usually, no. In most states there are no laws that require you to remove lead paint. (Check with state and local authorities to see if there are more stringent laws where you live.) But, you do have to contend with it. That is "manage it" using approved, lead safe work practices when performing maintenance or repairs.