Asbestos General Info

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials and various industrial products due to its heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties. However, it is now known that asbestos exposure poses serious health risks, including respiratory diseases and cancers. In California, like in many other states, strict regulations govern the handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos due to these health concerns.

Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring silicate minerals: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite. These minerals are made up of fine, flexible fibers that can be inhaled into the lungs when disturbed.

Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to several serious health conditions, primarily affecting the lungs and respiratory system. Health risks include:

• Asbestosis: A chronic lung condition caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, leading to scarring of lung tissue and difficulty breathing.
• Lung Cancer: Long-term asbestos exposure is a known cause of lung cancer, particularly in individuals who smoke.
• Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum), most commonly associated with asbestos exposure.
• Other Cancers: Asbestos exposure has been linked to cancers of the larynx, ovary, and gastrointestinal system.
• Pleural Disease: Non-cancerous lung conditions, such as pleural plaques, thickening, and effusions, can also occur due to asbestos exposure.

California has a long history of asbestos use, especially in construction and manufacturing industries. Common materials that historically contained asbestos include:

• Insulation (pipes, boilers, attics, etc.)
• Flooring (vinyl tiles, adhesives)
• Roofing materials (shingles, tiles)
• Cement products (pipes, siding)
• Fireproofing materials and automobile parts (brake pads, clutches)

Due to the severe health risks associated with asbestos, California has some of the strictest regulations for its management and removal. These include:

• California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA):
   
  • Cal/OSHA enforces safety standards regarding asbestos in the workplace. Employers are required to provide training for workers who may be exposed to asbestos, ensure proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and limit exposure levels to OSHA’s permissible exposure limits (PELs).
  • There are specific guidelines for asbestos removal, disposal, and cleaning in areas where contamination may be present.
• California Air Resources Board (CARB):
   
  • The CARB has established regulations for managing asbestos-containing materials, especially concerning air quality standards and preventing asbestos dust from entering the air.
  • CARB enforces regulations to ensure asbestos is properly handled during construction and demolition activities to protect public health and reduce contamination.
• Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA):
   
  • AHERA is a federal regulation that affects schools, but California enforces this act as part of state law. Schools must inspect their buildings for asbestos, develop management plans, and ensure that any asbestos abatement is conducted by certified professionals.
• Asbestos-Containing Waste Disposal:
   
  • Asbestos waste must be properly contained, labeled, and disposed of in accordance with state and federal environmental regulations. Disposal sites must be specifically licensed to handle asbestos-containing materials.

Due to the dangers associated with asbestos, professional removal and abatement are essential. The removal of asbestos is regulated to ensure that it is done safely and effectively:

• Asbestos Abatement Professionals:
   
  • Only licensed and certified professionals are allowed to handle asbestos removal in California. These experts use specialized equipment and safety protocols to minimize exposure to asbestos fibers during removal.
  • Workers are required to wear appropriate PPE, including respirators, to prevent inhalation of asbestos fibers.
• Safe Work Practices:
   
  • Asbestos removal must follow strict guidelines to prevent the release of fibers into the air. Wetting the materials, using containment barriers, and ensuring proper air filtration systems are part of standard protocols.
• Asbestos Survey and Risk Assessment:
   
  • Before any demolition or renovation project in buildings that were constructed before 1980 (when asbestos use was largely phased out), an asbestos survey should be conducted to identify potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

California has been at the forefront of asbestos litigation. Numerous lawsuits have been filed by workers, families, and individuals exposed to asbestos in California, seeking compensation for diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Many of these lawsuits have resulted in large settlements, and California courts are among the most active in dealing with asbestos-related claims.

• Proposition 65: California’s Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, requires businesses to inform Californians about significant exposures to chemicals, including asbestos, that cause cancer or reproductive harm.
• Asbestos Claims: California has special rules for the filing and adjudication of asbestos-related claims, which have been important in the state due to its significant history of asbestos use in construction and industry.

Removing asbestos can be costly, and the process involves careful planning, containment, and disposal. Costs can vary based on the type of material, location, and size of the area being remediated. While homeowners and businesses are required to use certified contractors for the removal, financial assistance might be available through certain insurance policies or government programs in some cases.

California public health agencies and environmental organizations are working to raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. This includes educational programs aimed at informing the public about the risks of asbestos in older buildings, and providing information on how to safely address potential asbestos contamination.

Asbestos is a serious health concern, and California’s strict regulations aim to limit exposure and prevent asbestos-related diseases. If you're dealing with a building constructed before the 1980s or suspect that asbestos is present, it's essential to hire a certified asbestos abatement professional to manage and remove any contaminated materials safely.

We provide asbestos testing and consulting in Ventura County, Los Angeles County and more. Services include asbestos surveys/assessments, abatement project design, asbestos management planning, contractor selection assistance and emergency response.