Asbestos

Asbestos worker in protective suit wearing respirator manually removing asbestos containing fireproofing from steel beam during a renovation of an old mill.

Introduction

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, very strong and heat resistant, which was made into nearly three thousand products ranging from pipe insulation to cement wallboard. Asbestos has been proven to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, and needs to be treated with respect and handled by professionals under controlled conditions.

Currently no state or federal laws require removal or repair of ACM except in schools, but it is most important to maintain asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in good condition to prevent serious health problems that result from breathing asbestos fibers. Some materials in good condition, like flooring and siding, can be left alone until they will be impacted by renovation or demolition activities or they can be covered over. Be careful to document the locations of covered ACM, because real estate laws require disclosure of all ACM at the time of sale.

Once a decision has been made to impact asbestos-containing materials (ACM), such as pipe insulation, boiler breeching, vinyl asbestos tile, transite (cement board), siding or roofing, in amounts greater than 3 linear or square feet, it must be removed or repaired by professionals unless specifically exempted from the DEP regulations. For example, floor tile in good condition may be removed by a non-licensed company using an infrared tile lift machine or a heat gun provided the tiles come up whole, and owner occupied single-family homeowners can remove their own asbestos siding following DEP guidelines. To review asbestos photo's, please visit our photo gallery.

Contacts

For more information contact the Asbestos Hazard Prevention Program staff at (207) 287-2651.

Statutory sections

Title 38, Chapter 12-A: Asbestos §1271 - §1284

Rules

Chapter 425 - Asbestos Management Regulations, effective May 29, 2004 (Off-Site)

Asbestos in Schools (AHERA) Regulation and Information

OSHA Asbestos Regulations (Off Site)

Forms

Additional Information

Enforcement

Compliance Inspections and Enforcement Response Options

If you have questions regarding enforcement of Asbestos Laws & Regulations, please contact (207) 287-7722 or (207) 287-2651.

Related Programs

EPA-New England Asbestos Information (Off Site)