Asbestos Testing in Colorado

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What you should know about Asbestos

Asbestos is a group of fibrous minerals that were mined and widely used in a variety of products, especially before the mid-1980s.

Because asbestos is heat and fire resistant, it was used in many types of building materials and home products for years.

Examples of products include attic and wall insulation, roofing shingles, hot water pipes coated with asbestos, heat-resistant fabrics, linoleum, dry wall, dry wall mud/texture, popcorn ceiling texture etc.

What are the Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure?

Asbestos materials in their “normal installed state” are ok, but when the materials are disturbed to a point of becoming pulverized, microscopic asbestos fibers can be released and will likely go airborne. Asbestos remediation must be performed to make the space safe.

Once airborne, you can breathe them in where they can get lodged in your lungs. Breathing in asbestos can cause lung damage, mesothelioma, and cancer.

The X factor is the human body. There is no specific exposure length or level that can be used as a baseline for everyone.  Every person’s body responds to asbestos, like any other substance, uniquely.  Therefore, while exposure to asbestos can cause any number of symptoms, it is best to consult your physician if you suspect you have been exposed.

Colorado Laws Regarding Asbestos Testing

Asbestos testing in Colorado and removal are regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Regulation 8.

SEE: CDPHE Asbestos Renovation and Demolition PDF

Just as the local utility company advises property owners to “Call before you dig” to avoid digging into and damaging buried utility lines (gas, electric, cable, phone etc.) The CDPHE Regulation 8 outlines the laws for both homeowners and contractors (restoration, abatement, construction, demolition or remodeling) with regard to asbestos testing in Colorado, disturbing and/or removing materials that may contain asbestos.

Individuals failing to work according to the CDPHE regulations face legal action which may include severe fines.


CAUTION

*Never hire a contractor (restoration, abatement, construction, demolition or remodeling) who says it is permissible to remove building materials that have not been tested by a CDPHE certified company/technician. Asbestos testing in Colorado is mandatory.

*If asbestos is found in your property, hire a professional, state certified asbestos abatement contractor for removal.

After asbestos has been properly removed, and a clearance test performed, you may proceed with your remodeling contractor of choice to finish putting your property back to normal.