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Arizona Asbestos Abatement Procedures


Asbestos regulations in Arizona follow national standards for reporting and accounting on asbestos abatement and contamination.

For counties under the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality

For private buildings and facilities in counties that fall under Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, they will follow the same standard set by the Asbestos National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP).  This includes contacting the department with written notification ten working days before renovation or demolition, observing the minimal thresholds for reporting asbestos abatement and observing the appropriate rules on disposal of the hazardous material.  Any certified Arizona asbestos abatement entity can facilitate this for you.

For Pima, Maricopa and Pinal counties

Arizona’s three largest counties have their own entities for asbestos abatement that have stricter standards than those set by NESHAP.  These counties also charge fees when you provide notice of asbestos abatement.  These fees cover the costs of inspection and certification of the property.  The fees charged by these counties are separate for renovation and demolition, so if the property must be abated and then demolished, you will be charged two fees.  Depending on current laws, you may not have to notify state or county authorities if you live in a residential building with less than four units.  Check with your county government to be sure of the current policy.

What are RACM materials?

Arizona asbestos abatement procedures identify restricted asbestos carrying materials as materials that are at least 1% by weight made of asbestos.  Recall that even trace amounts of asbestos carry thousands on potentially sickening micro fibers.

Friable ACM can be broken with human pressure as this was typically weakly applied to structures for quick fireproofing and insulation.  This is the most susceptible break apart during regular use and will be subject to the most stringent cleanup regulations.

Non-friable asbestos should generally be undisturbed as it is safely sealed inside something that will not be easily broken and therefore does not expose the asbestos to air.  If the structure will be demolished however, except to comply with Arizona asbestos abatement procedures and inspection to ensure that the renovation or demolition will not expose the dangerous materials.  Federal regulations typically mandate that non-friable material that may be compromise be removed from a structure before demolition.

How is asbestos cleaned according to Arizona asbestos abatement procedures?

The focus of asbestos abatement procedures is to prevent both long term and incidental asbestos exposure.  Asbestos is most easily spread though disturbing asbestos fixtures needlessly, such as through amateur removal.  Although those that work with asbestos regularly are the most vulnerable to illness, you will not want to inhale this material as it is toxic and will not break down in your lungs.  Smokers and those with lung problems will be especially sensitive to loose asbestos particles.  Federal mandates require a HEPA filter and vacuums to catch the smallest of airborne particles.  There is the alternative to seal friable asbestos through a process called “encapsulation.”  This does not remove the asbestos but as long as the seal remains, there is no risk and the asbestos is non-friable.  This is typically done on popcorn ceilings.

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