FAQs: General Questions

When it comes to managing impacted materials at your facility, hiring the right environmental consultant is not a decision to be taken lightly. Contamination is a matter of worker safety and government compliance; and, choosing the wrong remediation consultant could result in human health complications and hefty fines.

Because of their chemical stability, fire-resistance and insulating properties, PCBs were added to a wide variety of building materials from the 1930s until the late 1970s. Although the manufacturing and use of PCBs was banned by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in 1979, they still have an impact on current construction projects where demolition and waste disposal are an issue.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. Unlike most mined minerals, asbestos crystals form into long, thin fibers that are divided into two groups: serpentine and amphibole. Serpentine minerals have a sheet or layer structure while amphiboles have a chain-like structure. The most common type is chrysotile asbestos which is part of the serpentine group. Chysotile is commonly named “white asbestos” and accounts for approximately 95% of the asbestos found in buildings in the United States.

To be a significant health risk, asbestos fibers must be inhaled into the lungs. Asbestos inhalation can cause a buildup of scar-like tissue in the lungs called asbestosis, a fatal malignant tumor of the membrane lining the cavity of the lung known as mesothelioma and other diseases such as lung cancer. Latency periods for many diseases could be anywhere from 10-30 years. Epidemiologic evidence has shown that all asbestos fibers of different quantities and exposure durations can cause these diseases. Furthermore, asbestos may enhance the carcinogenic affects of other materials. Any additional exposure to asbestos caused by living or working in buildings potentially containing asbestos should be avoided.

The only individuals who can legally conduct asbestos inspections are certified asbestos inspectors who are certified in the state at which the inspection is taking place. Asbestos inspectors identify suspect asbestos containing materials (ACM) throughout a structure and use proper methods collect and handle various ACMs. Generally, an easy-to-read summary report of the findings is issued after the results are returned.

There are many circumstances that would necessitate an asbestos inspection. Most asbestos inspections are completed when a building is planned for demolition or renovation. In these cases, building materials have a high potential to be damaged and suspect asbestos containing materials (ACM) must be identified before work can begin. If ACM is exposed or damaged, there is an elevated risk of exposure to workers and to the general public. Asbestos demolitions and renovations fall under the National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) regulations and require a certified demolition crew and proper notification before beginning work.

The duration of time and number of asbestos samples collected in an inspection can vary greatly from building to building; however, some assumptions can be made based on building type, size, and age. Residential house inspections typically take no longer than one standard workday, can be completed by one individual, and commonly consist of 20-40 asbestos samples. Most commercial buildings (1-2 stories) can be completed in one standard workday with two individuals. Generally, commercial buildings have many homogenous areas so asbestos sampling can be minimized. Most commercial building inspections consist of 50-80 asbestos samples. Industrial facilities tend to have a higher potential for asbestos containing materials and can be much larger in scale. It is almost always advised to have at least two individuals present for industrial facility inspections. These inspections can take anywhere from a few days to weeks and inspectors may collect hundreds of samples. Lastly, the age of a building may impact the scale of an inspection. Generally, structures built before the 1980s have a higher potential for asbestos and can add as much as 20-50% more samples to the inspection.

Friable asbestos containing materials (ACM), those that can be pulverized with hand pressure, are the highest concern when it comes to potential exposure in your house. Friable ACM can be maintained in place utilizing encapsulation. This involves applying a thick layer of an encapsulant, such as a latex paint, that binds the surface of the material together and prevents it from breaking apart. Constant vibrations and wind erosion can play a role in the breakdown of ACM overtime. Avoid keeping fans and machines such as dish washers and dryers out of proximity of the ACM. When this cannot be avoided, removal may be the best option.

Although there is no sure way to identify leaded paint without professional testing, there are several factors that you can rely upon to give you an accurate estimate. The first item to consider is the age of the paint and/or building. Most buildings constructed before 1970 used lead-based paint on the walls, doorways, stairwells, and baseboards. Buildings as late as the 1990s could contain lead-based paint to some degree. The next factor to consider is the texture of the suspect paint. If the paint appears to be thick and chip-like when it is removed, then there is a good chance it contains lead. One term often used to describe this is texture is “alligatoring”, which occurs when the chips of paint start to pop up and crack similar to an alligator’s skin. Although not always possible, contacting a previous owner or home builder could shed some light on the history of the structure and some of the paints used. Lastly, consider purchasing a home test kit at the local hardware store. Home test kits are not always reliable; however, it may be all you need depending on your situation.

Lead-based paint is most dangerous when it is deteriorating in the manner of cracking, chipping, peeling, bubbling from water, or chalking. Routes of exposure are ingestion and inhalation. Children under the age of 6 and pregnant women (invitro exposure) are at the greatest risk. If ingested, even in very low amounts, lead can cause damage to the brain and nervous system potentially resulting in learning disabilities and even mental retardation. Other effects include slowed growth, kidney damage, headaches, hearing disabilities, nerve damage, and bone marrow problems.

The easiest way to prevent exposure to lead-based paint is to simply paint over it. This is only a viable option if the lead-based paint is in good condition. Another option is to cover the painted surface with a new surface such as drywall. In some cases, the condition of the paint is too deteriorated to consider anything other than removal. If removal is the only option, consider hiring a professional to properly remove and dispose of the lead-based paint.

Lead-based paint (LBP) liability depends on the intended future use of the building. Potential LBP is generally of little concern with most property transactions; however, if the building is to become a daycare, school or other child-based facility, LBP concern is paramount. Additionally, buildings regulated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have strict guidelines when it comes to LBP. If LBP is significantly deteriorating inside a building, some potential buyers could have hesitancy and may back out or require a cleanup before moving forward. Lead-based paint assessment is specifically excluded from the Phase I Environmental Assessment standards; however, AGES can include this assessment upon request.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is produced from the natural breakdown of the radioactive metals radium, thorium, and strontium in soil, rock, and groundwater. Radon gas enters cracks and other small spaces in a building (usually a basement) and can become concentrated if constant air flow is not present. Acute exposure to radon gas is generally not a concern. Chronic exposure, usually from frequenting an area with concentrated radon gas, can be detrimental to your health.

Radon gas is undetectable to the human senses. It is of most concern in basements, cellars, or other rooms that contact the ground. If you believe you have a radon gas issue, a radon test should be completed. Radon test kits can be purchased from a local hardware store; however, they have limited accuracy. If the building is located in an area with high incidents of radon, it is best to hire a professional to conduct a radon test. Radon testing is usually performed by a professionals. For best results, radon testing equipment must sit undisturbed with minimal airflow in the testing location for several days.

The best way to mitigate radon gas is to have a professional install a radon mitigation system. This entails the installation of a PVC piping system with a specific type of fan that pulls the air out of the enclosure and vents it above the ceiling of the house. Most systems are 99% effective. For a quick fix to a potential radon gas issue, start by using fans or other air movers to circulate as much air as possible in the concerned area. Open windows and doors to vent as much as possible.

Radon is a concern to a potential buyer or seller of property. If an inspection reveals elevated radon levels, the issues can usually be corrected however the cost is dependent on the size of the building and existing ventilation system. The existence of radon is usually a reflection of the region, and not the structure itself. Radon assessment is specifically excluded from Phase I Environmental Assessment standards. AGES includes a short assessment of the regional radon characteristics and average radon test numbers per the zip code when performing each assessment.