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Vermont Asbestos Laws


Although asbestos was once mined here, asbestos contamination is Vermont is very limited and correspondingly, the rates of asbestos related illness are significantly lower than other states.  Vermont was one of the major suppliers of asbestos in the US well into the 20th century.  Many public buildings and government constructions will contain asbestos building materials, so Vermont asbestos laws will address this with a dedicated asbestos abatement procedure.  

The Vermont Department of Health deals with the enforcement and application of most Vermont asbestos laws, typically dealing with certification of asbestos professionals, disposal of toxic materials and the issuance of permits for asbestos abatement to begin for structures undergoing renovation or demolition.

Mining asbestos in Vermont

Chrysotile asbestos, which represents 90% of the types of asbestos used in the United States were mined in Vermont quarries.  In addition, there was a robust manufacturing of vermiculite asbestos insulation, which was widely used in homes.  While vermiculite is not toxic on its own, the material, especially ore from Libby, Montana, was found to contain traces of Tremolite and other forms of asbestos.  Former workers at these factories will have some health risk and should have their health monitored, as asbestos related illnesses typically develop up to forty years after exposure.

Asbestos in the workplace

Aside from the risks to factory workers that made asbestos insulation, workers in power plants and other industries that use heavy machinery will have an increased risk of asbestos contamination.  Asbestos was used to insulate and heatproof machinery and this insulation has a tendency to break down over time, thus increasingly releasing fibrous material.  The Occupation Safety and Health Administration is responsible for worker safety when dealing with asbestos containing materials and most aspects of Vermont asbestos law related to the accreditations of professionals derives from these mandates.

Asbestos in the home

Applications of asbestos in the home are the greatest risk to Vermont residents, as most asbestos in the workplace has been abated or controlled.  It is expected however, that most asbestos containing materials that are present in houses built before 1980 will have some asbestos containing materials used as insulation or fireproofing.  Not all applications of these materials are dangerous, but any friable items are considered regulated asbestos controlled material and should be removed, preferable by a professional.Demolitions will require the removal of all asbestos containing material if it can be crumbled or compromised during the process.  This includes many indurate, non-friable applications.  Renovations may leave some non-friable applications as long as that area of the structure is not undergoing renovation.

Asbestos litigation

Vermont has seen a number of asbestos related lawsuits and if you have an asbestos related illness, you will be able to make a merit-able case against former employers and other entities.  Check with a Vermont asbestos lawyer to find out more about Vermont asbestos law and laws about litigation that may affect your case.

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