Asbestos Abatement
Inspections. Env-A 1804.01 requires that a thorough inspection be conducted for the presence of asbestos containing building materials (ACBM) prior to any demolition or renovation in the affected portions of the facility. The inspection must be conducted by a person accredited in the identification of ACBMs. List of Certified Asbestos Consultants [pdf]
If asbestos is found and will be disturbed during any renovation or repair work, it must be removed properly and disposed of at an approved facility. Likewise, all asbestos must be removed prior to any building demolition project. In most cases, asbestos abatement activities must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor in accordance with the requirements in Env-A 1800. List of Licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractors [pdf]
Notifications. Each facility owner must provide written notification to DES and the local health officer at least ten (10) working days before any building demolition activity occurs. This notification is required by Env-A 1803.03 for all building demolition projects regardless of the amount of asbestos present (even when no asbestos is present).
For renovation projects, written notification is required at least ten (10) working days prior to any asbestos abatement activity conducted as part of the renovation only if the abatement involves greater than 10 linear feet, or 25 square feet of ACBM. No notification is required for renovations if the amount of ACBM is less than this, or if there is no ACBM present that will be disturbed during the renovation.
The Demo/Reno Notification Form required by the State of New Hampshire is available for download in Adobe Portable Document format or by contacting the Air Resources Division (ARD) Asbestos Program at (603) 271-1373 or (603) 271-1370.
For additional information on asbestos abatement visit the State of New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Asbestos web page.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos, which encompasses a set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals, has long been praised for its fireproofing and insulating properties. Throughout much of the 20th century, asbestos was used in more than 3,000 construction materials. Many of these products have created hazards for households all around the world as the toxic mineral has been linked to several asbestos-related diseases such as pleural mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos typically occurs by inhaling airborne asbestos fibers after asbestos-laden materials have been disturbed.
Types of Asbestos
The six different types of asbestos are divided into two distinct groups - serpentine and amphibole.
- Serpentine - This type of asbestos has curly fibers and a layered structure. The only kind of asbestos in this category is chrysotile (white asbestos). This is now the only kind of asbestos that is still mined on a large scale and it was the kind most often used in buildings in the United States.
- Amphibole - This kind of asbestos has a long chain-like structure with straight, sharp fibers that are quite easy to inhale. Widely used in a number of products until the late 1970s, there are five types that fall into this category - amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite. Crocidolite (blue asbestos) was the second most likely type - behind chrysotile - to be found in buildings
Asbestos Health Information
Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. This cancer develops in the thin layer of tissue that lines and protects the chest cavity and other organs. Asbestos products can be found in homes, schools, and on many job-sites. PleuralMesothelioma.com has information ranging from a complete list of symptoms, to treatment options, as well as information on the mesothelioma life span. Click here to visit their website.