Asbestos consists of tiny fiber bundles that can become airborne when disturbed. Inhaling these airborne fibers poses health risks, leading to conditions like Asbestosis, Lung Cancer, and Mesothelioma. Although there isn't a defined "safe level" of exposure, higher fiber concentrations and prolonged exposure increase the risk of asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in good condition generally don't pose a threat to building occupants. It's recommended to leave these materials undisturbed and conduct periodic checks to ensure their condition. The hazard arises when ACM is disturbed or damaged.
Contrary to common belief, there isn't a complete ban on asbestos-containing products in the United States. While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) attempted to implement a ban in 1989, a 1991 court ruling overturned much of it, and only six asbestos-containing product categories remain subject to the original ban. The EPA does not track the manufacture, processing, or distribution of asbestos-containing products, and items from other countries containing asbestos can still be imported into the United States.
See all of our asbestos-related services below.
Use the link below to learn more about asbestos regulations in Colorado and what is required by law for any renovation or demolition projects.
As discussed above, asbestos fibers can pose health risks when disturbed. All renovation and demolition projects on buildings of any age, even those newly built, must be inspected for asbestos by a Colorado-certified asbestos building inspector if impacting materials greater than trigger levels set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). For Single-Family Residential Dwellings (SFRD), trigger levels are set at 50 linear feet on pipes or 32 square feet on other surfaces. Public and Commercial Buildings (excluding SFRDs) have trigger levels of 260 linear feet on pipes or 160 square feet on other surfaces.
Our team of CDPHE-certified inspectors offer same or next-day inspections with results provided the following day. Our thorough inspections are efficient and won't cause delays in project timelines due to our quick turnaround times.
According to Colorado Regulation 8, an Asbestos Spill is defined as the disturbance of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) beyond the trigger levels mentioned above. Asbestos spills occur when these materials are improperly damaged or disturbed, releasing asbestos fibers into the environment. Any improper damage or disturbance of asbestos-containing materials poses the risk of a spill. The only safe and legal method for asbestos removal is through an asbestos abatement conducted by a CDPHE-certified asbestos Abatement Contractor. All major spills are reported to CDPHE within 24 hours of receiving analytical results. Recognizing the severe health effects of asbestos, we emphasize the critical importance of addressing asbestos spills promptly and professionally.
Once a spill occurs, a delineation of the spill must be conducted by a CDPHE-certified Air Monitoring Specialist (AMS). Our AMS team provides quick turnarounds on spill delineation projects, mainly due to their emergent nature. Our spill delineation inspections include microvac or wipe samples throughout the spill area and adjoining spaces to accurately determine the asbestos spill location. Following the sample analysis, you will receive a comprehensive and easy-to-understand report with maps and analytical data, which can be given to an Abatement Contractor for clean-up.
Certified State of Colorado Air Monitoring Specialists (AMS) and NIOSH E582-E certified Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) analysts conduct quality control, air monitoring during asbestos abatement projects, and project oversight. All abatement projects greater than trigger levels require an AMS to run an air clearance. SilverKey performs PCM air monitoring clearances and on-site PCM sample analysis during asbestos abatement for non-school buildings. Air clearances ensure minimal fiber releases in the asbestos abatement work areas, and adequate abatement techniques are used. We also provide 'courtesy clearances' for projects under trigger levels.
Final clearance samples are collected after the asbestos removal activity in each work area is completed and the area is free of dirt, dust, and debris. Sampling uses a series of floor fans (based on the cubic feet) and a leaf blower (depending on the square feet) to duplicate occupied conditions and ensure that residual asbestos fibers are cleaned before air testing.
The final air samples will be analyzed on-site utilizing the referenced NIOSH Method counting rules, and all air monitoring samples must be at or below the clearance criteria of 0.01 f/cc before allowing the contractor to demobilize.
As discussed above, air clearances are an essential part of abatement projects. In school buildings, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) samples are required by Regulation 8 and the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act AHERA projects greater than trigger levels with PCM clearances on all projects under trigger levels.
SilverKey performs TEM air monitoring clearances and relies on NVLAP-certified laboratories for TEM sample analysis utilizing the EPA AHERA 40 CFR 763 Method. All air monitoring samples must be at or below the clearance criteria of 70 structures/mm2 before allowing the contractor to demobilize.
Oversight air monitoring will be provided at all times during the project, including before the initiation of abatement activities, during, and after the project. All air monitoring samples collected during the project will be analyzed using PCM methods and compared against applicable asbestos regulations and standards.
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