The Truth About Asbestos

     Asbestos is a naturally-occurring substance made up of tiny fibers too small to be seen without powerful magnifiers.Because of its superior resistance to corrosion and heat, asbestos has been used for many years in the production of building materials such as floor tiles, vinyl, pipe insulation, wall texture, and much more.

‍Wasn’t Asbestos Banned?
     Each State varies on the specific requirements of testing and handling asbestos containing materials. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also have asbestos regulations. There are common misunderstandings about an EPA ban on asbestos containing materials (ACM), products and uses from 1989. Many sources incorrectly report that all asbestos containing products have been banned. Many people think their home or building is safe because it was not built before 1989. In 1991, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated much of the so-called "Asbestos Ban and Phaseout" rule and remanded it to the EPA. Thus, 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.

     Six asbestos-containing product categories are still subject to the 1989 asbestos ban. The EPA currently has no existing bans on any other ACM categories. Products manufactured in other countries may also contain asbestos and can be imported into the United States. The EPA does NOT track the manufacture, processing, or distribution in commerce of asbestos-containing products. It would be prudent for a consumer or other buyer to inquire as to the presence of asbestos in particular products. Possible sources of that information would include inquiring of the dealer/supplier or manufacturer, refer to the product's "Safety Data Sheet" (SDS), or consider having the material tested by an accredited laboratory before installing it in your home or building. This information is located on the CO Department of Public Health and Environment website and more information can be found here: Colorado.gov/GeneralInformation

     Despite strict government regulation for manufacturers in the United States, the North American Free Trade Agreement of 1994 allows imported materials that may contain asbestos to be used in American construction. Even if your home or office was built very recently, asbestos is still a grave threat and will need to be addressed before any remodeling of the property.