Five Commonly Asked Questions About Asbestos Testing in Brooklyn NY

Is Asbestos Testing Required?

If you’re a building owner planning to demolish, renovate, remodel or repair a structure, asbestos testing in Brooklyn is a legal requirement.

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection and New York City Department of Buildings strictly enforce the proper testing, removal and handling of asbestos in buildings.

DEP requires that prior to any renovations that the building be tested by a certified Asbestos Investigator.

If the building is found to be free of asbestos the licensed Asbestos Investigator will issue an ACP5 form and renovations will be allowed to proceed. The ACP5 forms lets workers and occupants in the building know that the building is free from asbestos.

If asbestos is found in the building, then a certified contractor must remove the asbestos and upon completion must obtain one of the following forms from DEP:

- ACP 20 Asbestos Project Conditional Completion Form or
- ACP 21 Asbestos Project Completion Form

Isn’t Asbestos Banned in the US?

There is a common misconception that since asbestos is banned in some cases, that there is no longer a chance of exposure during renovations.

And while it’s true that asbestos manufacturing was largely phased out in the 1980s, the deadly carcinogen is still legal for use in certain products today. Products which can still contain asbestos include:

- Cement corrugated sheet
- Cement flat sheet
- Vinyl floor tile
- Cement shingle
- Millboard
- Cement pipe
- Disk brake pads
- Drum brake linings
- Brake blocks
- Gaskets
- Non-roofing coating

How do you identify asbestos in your building?

Asbestos fibers are strong and heat-resistant and have been used for decades in insulation, construction, and fireproofing. When asbestos fibers become airborne and people inhale them, it can cause cancer, mesothelioma, and other life-threatening illnesses.

Identifying asbestos can be difficult that’s why it’s always best to seek the expertise of a licensed asbestos investigator in Brooklyn.

If your building was built before 1980 than there is a good chance it contains asbestos in at least some of the building materials. In fact, about 25 million buildings in the US, mostly built before 1980 have asbestos-based insulation and many have asbestos in flooring, pipes, roof or wall shingles or ceiling finishes.

What do I do if I find Asbestos in my Building?

Asbestos is mostly harmless when left intact and undisturbed. However, if tampered with it can easily disintegrate and become airborne.

When the dust and fibers are inhaled it can lead to the development of mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer and many other life-threatening diseases.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency the six common minerals that make up asbestos; amosite, chrysotile, crocidolite, actinolite, anthophyllite, and tremolite are all harmful to humans.

If you think you may have asbestos in your home or business do not disturb it. If it has been disturbed hire a qualified asbestos investigator in Brooklyn to determine if it is present.

How Do I hire a Certified Asbestos Investigator in NYC?

When you make the decision to hire a certified asbestos investigator make sure that they have undergone the required training and that they are listed on the New York Department of Labor’s Active Contractor list.

If you’re considering asbestos testing in Manhattan or any of the five boroughs make sure to find a licensed contractor who is accredited with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure the company has generations of experience and offers free estimates.

Take their online reputation into account. Google Reviews, Home Advisor and Angie’s List are all great places to start.

The author works for a leading environmental consulting firm in NYC. Along with a team of experienced professionals, he provides quality air quality testing, lead paint assessments, radon testing, and asbestos testing in Manhattan NY. Visit https://www.mkmenv.com/ for further details.

Article source: https://article-realm.com/article/Society/2059-Five-Commonly-Asked-Questions-About-Asbestos-Testing-in-Brooklyn-NY.html