Did you know that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires asbestos inspections on all commercial demolition and renovation projects before any work can begin? Asbestos may seem like a thing of the past–and it is for the most part–as the majority of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) were phased out in the late 1980s. But not all of them. Many buildings still contain these hazardous materials, which can’t always be identified by the naked eye or even with a simple microscope. That’s why the Asbestos NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants) requires a thorough inspection by a licensed professional prior to beginning any commercial demolition or renovation project.

So before you go tearing down that wall, make sure you have an asbestos survey in hand–-otherwise, you could face hefty fines and costly delays.

To learn more about NESHAP, what types of projects it covers, and what to do if an inspection reveals ACM at your project site, visit the EPA’s Asbestos NESHAP web page or call the environmental professionals at Nabholz  (1.877.NABHOLZ) for expert help on your next project.