Asbestos is a collection of naturally occurring minerals that were once popular in construction for their durability

, fire retardant, corrosion-resistant, and insulating properties. The inhalation of these microscopic fibers can cause serious health problems. Exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer that develops in the protective lining of various organs), or asbestosis (a scarring of the lungs). Symptoms of such asbestos-related diseases may take 15 to 30 years to develop after initial exposure. Asbestos has since been phased out of commercial use due to its link to health problems.

Asbestos National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)

Under the 1970 Clean Air Act, the EPA established the Asbestos National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). It is intended to minimize the release of asbestos fibers during activities involving the handling of asbestos | Learn More >

I May Be Working Around Asbestos-Containing Materials: Where Do I Start?

First, determine your facility’s regulatory status under NESHAP. These requirements apply to demolitions and renovations of public and commercial buildings and schools. NESHAP also requires having properly-trained asbestos professionals on the site | Visit EPA's Asbestos Requirements Page >

Inspection

Next, the facility will need to be inspected to confirm or deny the presence of asbestos-containing material.

Notification

Then, within 2 weeks prior to work (10 business days is the requirement), provide notification of your project to Maricopa, Pima, or Pinal County asbestos notification web pages, according to the facility location:

• Maricopa County | View >
• Pima County | View >
• Pinal County | View >
  
  

Or, for all other Arizona counties, download and submit ADEQ’s Asbestos Notification form | View >

Emission Controls and Manifests

Particular manufacturing and fabricating operations either cannot emit visible emissions into the outside air or must follow air cleaning procedures and specific requirements when removing asbestos-containing waste. A waste shipment record, commonly known as a manifest, is also required to track asbestos-generated waste from the project to an approved landfill. 
Visit EPA’s Asbestos Page >