ASBESTOS
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber found in rock and soil. Because of its strength and heat resistance, asbestos has been used in a variety of building materials, friction products, heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings.
Contrary to its beneficial properties, asbestos has been shown to cause lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers may be released into the air when asbestos –containing material is disturbed or damaged.
Because of the harmful properties of asbestos, Ohio EPA requires that most renovation and demolition projects provide notification regarding the type of work and amount of asbestos being removed. The notification allows us to know how much asbestos is being removed, from where, who may be impacted and where the material will be disposed. ARAQMD inspects these renovation and demolition projects to ensure that proper notification was provided to Ohio EPA, and that proper work practices, described by the Ohio Administrative Code (3745-20), are followed. Also, ARAQMD’s inspections give us the opportunity to ensure that the workers on site have valid credentials to do asbestos work safely, as described by the Ohio Administrative Code (3745-22).
Contractors – As of 1/1/18, notifications are no longer sent to ARAQMD and must be submitted to Ohio EPA via the online eBusiness Center or via hard copy submission. For information regarding the notification process, please visit Ohio EPA’s asbestos notification page here.
ARAQMD does not provide asbestos sampling services. For asbestos sampling, please contact a private environmental company. ARAQMD is unable to recommend a specific company.
Additional Resources:
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Page updated 1/26/24.