Asbestos in Demolition Debris SummaryLast updated 11/06/07
The Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program at the Washington State Department of Ecology does not regulate asbestos waste unless it is combined with regulated dangerous wastes.
What is Asbestos?Asbestos is a generic term used to describe several naturally occurring minerals that can be separated into fibers and spun into cloth or added to products. Asbestos fibers are so small they can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope. It was used in many construction materials because of its excellent insulation, fire proofing and sound proofing qualities. Asbestos is a regulated substance. Asbestos must be removed by a licensed asbestos contractor if it is disturbed during planned renovation or demolition activities.
Owners or agents who don't test a material known to contain asbestos, should treat it as if it does contain asbestos. Not knowing that a substance has asbestos does not remove a contractor's liability. Dangers and Health EffectsTheAmerican Lung Association Exit Ecology emphasizes that asbestos should not be handled, sampled, removed or repaired by anyone other than a qualified professional. Asbestos is dangerous when it is crushed, crumbled or disturbed because fibers can be released into the air. The term "friable" means that it can be reduced to dust by hand pressure. Remodeling and demolition activities can damage and release asbestos fibers from building materials. Released asbestos fibers are so tiny they can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time and can easily penetrate body tissues after being inhaled or ingested. This is a serious health threat to workers and the general public. Chronic asbestos exposure can lead to a lung disease termed asbestosis, scaring of the membranes around the lung, pulmonary hypertension, immunological effects, lung and other cancers. Symptoms of disease do not show up until many years after exposure began.
Refer to the section titled Asbestos Exposure Information for Workers and their Families for information about health effects, medical testing, worker exposure and workers home contamination. The Asbestos Resource Center Exit Ecology provides information about asbestos, mesothelioma cancer, asbestosis, and asbestos litigation. Lists of common building and consumer products with asbestos are found in two EPA publications for homeowners:
In Building ProductsFrom the mid 1940's to the late 1970's asbestos and asbestos -containing materials (ACM) were used extensively to fireproof, insulate, soundproof, and decorate. Asbestos is still used in many products and is often not listed on product labels or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). For more information:
In 1991, much of the original 1989 EPA ban on the U.S. manufacturing, importation, processing, or distribution in commerce of many asbestos-containing product categories was set aside and did not take effect. Refer to the asbestos information in the section titled Banned Asbestos Building Products for an EPA clarification of the current rule. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that there are asbestos containing materials in most of the nation's approximately primary and secondary schools and public and commercial buildings. Regulations and GuidanceHandling, disturbing, removing and disposing of materials containing asbestos is regulated by
People who plan to renovate or remove asbestos from buildings, or who plan to demolish any building, must notify the appropriate agencies, and follow all federal, state, and local requirements for removal and disposal of regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM). Refer to the sections titled Local Asbestos Regulations and Guidance, State Asbestos Regulations and Guidance, and Federal Asbestos Regulations and Guidance for regulatory information and guidance from local, state and federal government. Asbestos is not regulated as a dangerous waste in Washington. However, asbestos is often mixed with regulated amounts of dangerous paint wastes.
Sampling and TestingDepartment of Labor and Industries (L&I), and the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), Chapter 296-62-07721, (2)(b)(ii) WAC Occupational Health Standards, Safety Standards for Carcinogens Exit Ecology , require property owners to conduct a good faith survey and identification of asbestos containing materials by an accredited inspector before demolition.
Homeowners can take their own asbestos samples for certain projects. The laboratory that tests the sample will give directions on sampling. Certified asbestos inspectors take their own samples. Refer to the following pages for more information about sampling and testing asbestos.
Notification, Labeling, Manifesting, Packaging and TransportationThe state Department of Labor and Industries and the local air authority generally require a written "Notice of Intent to Perform an Asbestos Project" by the owner or operator before an asbestos removal project begins. Contact your local air authority for the form and information. Asbestos waste must be labeled and packaged as directed by the Department of Transportation regulations, and the EPA's NESHAP.
Asbestos waste must be:
Washington State Dangerous Wastes must be managed according to the Dangerous Waste Regulations. Small Quantity Generator or Household Hazardous Waste status will reduce the regulatory requirements. Refer to the section titled Dangerous Waste Transportation Requirements for more information. Disposal RequirementsAsbestos waste or debris must be promptly disposed of at an approved disposal site. Disposal of asbestos must follow EPA's National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) 40 CFR part 61, subpart M. See EPA's Asbestos Waste Management guidance for general information about disposal. The rule requires:
Washington State's solid waste facilities are permitted by the local health departments. For the names of authorized asbestos disposal sites or haulers, contact the local health department.
Washington State Dangerous Wastes must be disposed according to the Dangerous Waste Regulations. Small Quantity Generator or Household Hazardous Waste status will reduce the regulatory requirements. Refer to the section titled Dangerous Waste Disposal Options for more information about dangerous waste requirements. Regional Contact Phone NumbersContact your local air authority before starting a project that disturbs asbestos.
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