Asbestos has serious human health and environmental consequences, and it is considered a hazardous air pollutant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulatory bodies. Hazardous air pollutants are subject to regulations under the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). The NESHAP regulate the removal and disposal of certain asbestos-containing materials.
Not all asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are regulated. ACMs are divided into two categories, “friable” and “non-friable.” Friable ACMs are easy to break apart and you can crumble friable ACMs with your hand. Friable materials are also very likely to release asbestos fibers into the air. Non-friable ACMs are not easily crumbled, and the asbestos fibers are bound into a material like cement or asphalt. Non-friable ACMs are not subject to NESHAP regulation as long as the material does not become friable. These materials will fall under NESHAP when they are likely to become friable, are friable, or if they have been cut, sanded, etc. Although non-friable materials are generally considered less dangerous, these materials can release asbestos fibers if exposed to weatherization, crushing forces, sanding or cutting.
Examples of non-friable ACMs include:
• Asbestos cement
• Asbestos cement pipes
• Asbestos vinyl flooring
• Asbestos vinyl wall coverings
• Asbestos siding
Facilities using these materials must follow NESHAP guidelines if non-friable materials become damaged, worn or otherwise likely to release asbestos fibers into the air. Improper removal of asbestos materials can cause personnel to develop harmful illnesses like mesothelioma or asbestosis.
If you have become ill due to asbestos exposure from an employer’s non-compliance, please contact the knowledgeable Washington D.C. asbestos lawyers at The Law Office of Brown | Kiely, LLP today.
