Asbestos Remediation: The Importance of Licensing

Where, Exactly, is Asbestos in Homes and Other Structures?

When we discuss remediation, we’re focusing on the removal of asbestos in buildings. 

Most buildings constructed before the mid-1980s contain asbestos because it was valued for its fire resistance and durability. Like the use of lead paint prior to its ban 1978, those who were involved in the building process back in the day had no idea the choices they were making would cause such significant damage. 

Asbestos is still in many old buildings.

Asbestos was revered for its ability to adequately insulate a home, keeping it comfortable temperature-wise. And not only was it tucked into walls, asbestos was also commonly used in all of the following:

• Ceiling tiles

• Popcorn ceilings (asbestos in popcorn ceiling testing is VERY common)

• Asphalt roof shingles

• Some textured paints

• Asbestos on carpet or in carpet underlays

• Vinyl floor tiles

Many of these materials are interior finishes, leaving occupants directly exposed.

Professional Asbestos Removal Certification: What it Takes and Why It’s Important

It is unwise to ignore the risks associated with direct exposure to asbestos in a home or in any other type of building. However, it’s equally as dangerous to try remediating without the help of a professional or without at least receiving the proper training.

The dangers of do-it-yourself asbestos abatement

Trying to simply paint over materials with asbestos in them, tear these materials out of walls or bury them in the ground (which is not illegal, by the way) does not count as proper remediation, and this may not only be harmful for the homeowner’s health, but expose them to legal issues. 

Taking a building sample for testing can expose you to harmful asbestos fibers.

It is possible to self-test a sample of the construction material in question by following very specific steps. However, working with a professional is by far the best way to go.

Trying to follow a very regimented step-by-step process leaves room for error and error could mean accidental exposure. And the National Cancer Institute states that “there is no safe level of asbestos exposure.”³

Proper protective equipment, tools and techniques are vital to prevent accidental exposure to asbestos to anyone in the vicinity.

Professionals are highly trained to remove asbestos from an area the right way. If you plan to hire a remediation company, always do your research and ask for its credentials to avoid a disaster along the way. If you’d rather become certified yourself, there are a few things you’ll have to do.

Understanding your local laws about asbestos abatement.

Each state has different requirements, so the first step is to determine what your state requires. The EPA also mandates that anyone looking to become certified participate in a training program with a provider that offers EPA- or state-approved courses in line with the Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan. 

These trainings must cover content in five disciplinary areas: Asbestos Abatement Worker, Asbestos Abatement Supervisor, Inspector, Management Planner and Project Designer. Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate that can be used when applying for a license (required by most states).

Licensing and working as a professional in asbestos abatement

Once licensed, it is important to obtain an insurance policy just in case something goes wrong during the removal process. Allowing asbestos to leak into the air or a water supply can cause substantial harm and it’s important to be protected.

Asbestos abatement involves risk, even for a licensed asbestos removal contractor.

There is occupational licensing for asbestos removal for a reason. This is not something to be taken lightly. Protecting yourself against accidental exposure versus half-heartedly undergoing a remediation project could be a matter of life or death.