Top 10 FAQs from Colorado State Regulation 8 Referring to Asbestos

Asbestos, one of the most hazardous materials, is a lot more common than people may realize. A lot of the construction elements in houses, including roofing materials, sidings, and insulation, all carry asbestos.

What makes asbestos dangerous to health is the long-term exposure to it. Because it becomes airborne, especially when wear and tear releases asbestos particles in the air, it can be easily inhaled and fill up the lungs. 

Over the years, medical studies have confirmed that asbestos has strong causal links to serious diseases, such as lung scarring (asbestosis), lung cancer, and mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the chest cavity).

That’s why it is crucial to have the residence or structure inspected for the presence of asbestos. Understandably, many property owners would have a lot of questions about this process, and what it entails. 

To address these concerns, here are 10 FAQs from Colorado State Regulations regarding asbestos.

1. Is asbestos banned in the US? 

No. Over 60 countries around the world have completely banned the mineral from use. The United States, however, still allows the importation, sale, and use of asbestos, both in its raw state and in product form, albeit with much stricter regulations today.

2. Are materials with asbestos located outside the structure safe? 

No. Roofing and siding materials that may contain asbestos do not become safe just because they are outside. Asbestos becomes airborne once it is released from the material, which is what makes it hazardous because of easy inhalation.

3. Can asbestos be found only in older properties? 

No. Asbestos can be found in buildings of any age. Even new structures may contain asbestos.

4. Are all buildings required to undergo asbestos inspection? 

Yes, except those constructed after October 12, 1988. Someone of authority in the building construction (architect, engineer, etc.) must also sign a statement that no ACM (asbestos construction material) was used in the property.

5. Should floor tiles be part of the inspection? 

Yes. Floor tiles are considered to be suspect materials. Cutting, sanding, drilling, or sawing may release asbestos particles.

6. Can poly be disposed of as non-friable waste material?

Poly or polyester fabric is a synthetic material, which is a kind of plastic. A friable waste material is defined as something that can be broken down with hand pressure. Because poly is designed to be particularly strong (think of the PET bottles used in sodas and food packaging), it can be disposed of as a non-friable waste material. 

7. Must a certified AMS be certified as an asbestos building inspector to conduct a visual inspection?

Colorado State Regulations 8 requires that building inspectors be certified, and the certification must be issued by CDPHE. This can be earned upon completion of a three-day asbestos inspector class, and passing of a test also administered by CDPHE.

8. I want to get rid of the asbestos in my property. How?

According to the regulations, any person intending to abate asbestos-containing materials in any amount greater than the trigger levels must notify the Division.

9. How long before my request for asbestos abatement is approved?

Ten working days.

10. Can I do the visual inspection on my property myself? 

No. Only those certified by the CDPHE are allowed to conduct a visual inspection. 

I need to have my property inspected for asbestos. How? 

You need to have a State of Colorado certified asbestos building inspector do the inspection for your property.

Categorised in: Asbestos Testing

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