FAQ

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral commonly used in various building materials. Asbestos is a carcinogenic that poses the greatest danger when it becomes airborne. Demolishing, repairing, or just disturbing suspect materials may cause the asbestos fibers to dislodge and release into the air. Exposure to asbestos fibers (due to mishandling) has been linked to the scarring of lung tissue, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

The following are common asbestos containing materials that might be found in your home: acoustic ceiling spray, floor tiles, linoleums, insulations, drywall/joint compounds, exterior stuccos, roofing, and more.

Asbestos is still being manufactured and used today; however, it is highly regulated. 

Each county partners with the State of Florida and the U.S. EPA to provide regulatory guidance to the community. The Air Quality Division/Department of each county requires inspections of projects that may release asbestos be done by a State of Florida licensed consultant. Permits must be issued from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection before beginning construction or demolition. This ensures that safe work practices are being followed and minimize air contamination to protect the health of workers and the surrounding community.

Based on EPA regulations, all counties in Florida are required by law to perform a thorough inspection for the presence of asbestos prior to the start of all renovations and/or demolitions in any facility.

A facility is any institution, commercial, public, industrial, or residential structure containing four or more dwellings. If you have a question about whether your building requires a test, you can contact the regulatory agency in your county.

All renovations, demolitions, or construction activity that will be done within condominiums or apartment buildings, even if only to a single unit, will require a test if the building contains more than four residential units.