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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (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 commercial, institutional, public, industrial, and certain residential facilities. 

NESHAP also requires having Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) certified asbestos professionals on the site throughout the duration of the asbestos abatement. There are two important certifications to be obtained: AHERA Building Inspector and AHERA Contractor/Supervisor. These certifications can be obtained from training institutes that are accredited in Arizona. The State of Arizona does not provide this training.

EPA’s Asbestos Requirements Page | View >

Inspection

When conducting a renovation or demolition activity at a NESHAP regulated facility, a thorough inspection must first be completed by an AHERA certified Building Inspector to confirm or deny that asbestos-containing material is present at the facility. 

• For renovations: If lab results demonstrate that regulated asbestos containing material is present in amounts greater than 160 sq. ft., 260 linear ft., or 35 cubic meters, a NESHAP notification must be submitted to ADEQ.
• For total or partial demolition: Notification submission is automatically required regardless if asbestos was detected. If regulated asbestos containing material was detected in the building, an abatement contractor must be utilized for asbestos removal AND a demolition contractor for the demolition.

Notification

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

• Maricopa County Asbestos Notification Page | View >
• Pima County Asbestos Notification Page | View >
• Pinal County Asbestos Notification Page | View >

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

Please note that if the project falls within Maricopa County, Pinal County, or Pima County a notification must be submitted to the respective county agency.  While ADEQ, Pima, and Pinal counties default to the federal standards for asbestos regulations, Maricopa County has additional requirements that build onto the federal standards. Their local rule (Rule 370) contains additional work practices, separate from the federal NESHAP requirements.

Project Duration

Once the notification has been submitted and you are ready to proceed with your project, please ensure all paperwork is stored on-site. This may include but is not limited to:

• Your NESHAP notification
• All pertinent personnel AHERA certifications
• The building survey and lab results
• Waste manifests and labels

Waste Manifests

A waste shipment record, commonly known as a manifest, is also required to track asbestos-generated waste from the project to an approved landfill.

EPA’s Asbestos Information for Building Owners/Managers |
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