Whether you are the proud building manager of an office or the intuitive owner of a brick-and-mortar shop, you know how important it is to ensure that your property is both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.

However, should one or both of those traits become less than satisfactory, a renovation or intensive remodel may well be within your future.

That being said, you’ll want to proceed with caution — particularly as asbestos enters the picture.

Where The Fibers Are Found

Contrary to popular belief, using asbestos in commercial construction in the United States is not banned.

In fact, “asbestos-containing products are mainly used for construction and insulation, but the toxic mineral may also be found in many types of consumer goods,” according to the Mesothelioma Center. “There are regulations for working on asbestos-containing materials in the U.S., but only certain asbestos products are banned.”

In particular, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) specifies that asbestos fibers are commonly found in:

• Wall paint
• Wall insulation
• Attic insulation
• Vinyl floor tiles
• Roofing shingles
• Heat-resistant fabrics
• Paint and patching compounds used on ceilings
• And more

Consequently, should a property undergo renovation, surrounding individuals and workers are at risk of being exposed to hazardous asbestos fibers, the likes of which may have lingering effects on their health.

Reading Up On Requirements

If your company decides to forge ahead with the renovations as planned, it’s imperative that you familiarize yourself with the local, state, and federal regulations that you may be subject to.

For example, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Florida (FLDEP), “asbestos NESHAP regulations must be followed for all renovations of facilities with at least”…

• 80 linear meters (260 linear feet) of regulated asbestos-containing materials (RACM) on pipes
• Or 15 square meters (160 square feet) of RACM on other facility components
• Or at least one cubic meter (35 cubic feet) off facility components where the amount of RACM previously removed from pipes and other facility components could not be measured before stripping

As it is illegal to improperly disturb materials that contain asbestos, you’ll first want to invest in an asbestos inspection to make sure you don’t accidentally expose friable materials that you were not previously aware of.

The Process Of The Professionals

At the end of the day when it comes to a commercial renovation, there’s no such thing as playing it “too safe.” As a carcinogenic material, asbestos warrants careful attention and consideration in order to keep everybody as safe and healthy as possible.

As such, Luce Air Quality is proud to offer its certified asbestos assessment services!

Licensed in Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi, our team is dedicated to making sure you can breathe a healthy sigh of relief! By locating, identifying, and inspecting any present asbestos, we will enable you to proceed with your renovations while adhering to regional regulations and standards.

Ready to learn more? Simply contact our team today by calling 904-803-1014!