Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM) Surveys are implemented according to United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). ACM survey reports include ACM assessment, bulk sampling, and laboratory analysis. ACM classification and abatement methods are identified and based on type of facility, condition of ACM, and intended disturbance usually by renovation and/or demolition.

Asbestos has been used in the manufacture of over thousands of building and consumer retail products. It is a strong mineral fiber and fire retardant used in automotive and household products, insulation, roof shingles, ceiling, wall, and floor coverings, paper products, caulks, and cement. Basically, any material other than metal, rock, wood, and glass are considered to be suspect ACM, unless proved otherwise by sampling. Many buildings built before the early 1980s were constructed with building products containing asbestos and today, some imported materials contain asbestos.

Asbestos presents a health hazard through inhalation exposure usually due to material disturbance. Deteriorating, damaged or destroyed materials from wear and tear, renovations, repairs or demolition are typically sources of asbestos exposure. Microscopic asbestos fibers become airborne, breathed into the lungs, and carried on clothing, tools, and equipment. Many people not directly associated with ACM have been exposed to asbestos fibers due to improper handling of ACM; vehicles and homes may become impacted with the material from unsafe handling.

Chronic exposure to asbestos can cause serious health issues. Some health conditions associated with asbestos include:

• Mesothelioma
• Pleural disorders
• Lung cancer
• Non-malignant lung cancer
• Asbestosis

Peaks Environmental, LLC has certified asbestos inspectors that perform the necessary sampling survey to determine if ACM and potential health risks are present. Asbestos inspection, handling, and abatement are generally regulated under Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and NESHAP. For more information, please contact us at: