Project Map

  1. Year the structure was built

Asbestos use in construction materials was banned in the late 1970s and phased out entirely by 1989. Knowing the construction year provides a preliminary assessment of potential asbestos presence.

Even if the structure was built after the asbestos ban, there’s a chance it could contain asbestos if renovated before the complete ban.

  1. Type of renovation/demolition planned:

Small repairs (e.g., replacing a window) might have lower risk compared to extensive renovations or complete demolition.

  1. Building Materials:

Do you have any existing building renovation or maintenance records that mention asbestos surveys or abatement work?

  1. Are any of the following materials present in the structure:

  • Flooring (vinyl tiles, linoleum)
  • Ceiling tiles (especially textured)
  • Insulation (around pipes, boilers)
  • Textured plaster walls or ceilings
  • Roofing materials (asphalt, felt paper)
  • Siding materials (corrugated panels)

  1. Visible Damage:

Is there any visible damage to building materials like cracking, crumbling, or water damage? Damaged asbestos-containing materials (ACM) pose a greater health risk.

  1. Occupancy:

Is the structure currently occupied? If so, by whom (residential, commercial)? Renovation/demolition in occupied buildings requires stricter safety protocols.

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s highly recommended to consult a licensed asbestos inspector for a professional survey.

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)’s Model Accreditation Plan (MAP) requires that asbestos professionals (including any worker, contractor or supervisor, inspector, management planner, or project designer) working with asbestos-containing building materials in a school, public or commercial building be accredited under a training program at least as stringent as the EPA Model Accreditation Plan (MAP).

Additional Resources:

  • Applied Environmental has trained asbestos professionals that can answer any additional questions you may have regarding asbestos requirements for buildings that will be renovated or demolished.
  • Contact your state or local environmental agency for additional resources and regulations regarding asbestos surveys.
  • The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers information on asbestos https://www.epa.gov/asbestos

About Applied Environmental:

We are a Herndon, Virginia based Woman-owned, Small Business providing professional Environmental, Industrial Hygiene, Indoor Air Quality, Hazardous Material Assessments, and Abatement Air Monitoring services to both private sector and government clients since 1986. Applied Environmental provides environmental services throughout the nation. Our local clients are based in Washington, DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia including Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William Counties.