Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring mineral fibers which were used extensively in many products due to the versatility, strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties of the fibers.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and the inhalation of asbestos fibers is associated with increased incidences of a number of diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Even limited or short-term exposure to asbestos fibers can be dangerous but exposure does not make development of an asbestos related disease inevitable.
Yes an asbestos inspection is required by regulation and regardless of the age of the building, for schools in which 3 feet of material will be disturbed, residential structures in which 32 square feet of material will be disturbed, and any other structure in which 160 square feet of material will be disturbed.
Yes, you will also be required to submit a demolition permit to the CDPHE prior to demolition or removal of any wall.
Is asbestos still used to construction?
Asbestos is commonly found in materials such as, but not limited to, roofing shingles, roofing tar, tar paper felts, drywall texture, joint compound, popcorn ceiling texture, plaster, wall papers, floor tiles, mastic adhesives, thermal pipe insulation, cement siding, linoleum, cement piping, fireproofing, gaskets, vermiculite insulation, cinder block filler, caulking, fire door, countertop, and many other products.
In the state of Colorado you must be certified to conduct asbestos inspections and collect samples to determine if the building material contains asbestos prior to disturbing the material. If you don’t know, don’t risk it!
Radon is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas that can be found in commercial buildings and homes across the United States. Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the US is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more). Radon originates from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and infiltrates the air. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the second most frequent cause of lung cancer
CDPHE Link
https://www.colorado.gov/cdphe/categories/services-and-information/environment/asbestos
EPA Link
https://www.epa.gov/asbestos
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