Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It is distinguished from other minerals by the fact that its crystals form long, thin fibers. Deposits of asbestos are found throughout the world. The primary sites of commercial production are: the Commonwealth of Independent States, Canada, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Russia and South Africa.

Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century due to its resistance to heat, electricity and chemical damage, sound absorption and tensile strength. When asbestos is used for its resistance to fire or heat, the fibers are often mixed with cement or woven into fabric or mats. Asbestos is used in brake shoes and gaskets for its heat resistance, and in the past was used on electric oven and hotplate wiring for its electrical insulation at elevated temperature, and in buildings for its flame-retardant and insulating properties, tensile strength, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals.

The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses, including mesothelioma. Since the mid 1980s, many uses of asbestos are banned in many countries.

“Asbestos-Containing Material” according to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA – 40 CFR 763) is any material that contains more than 1% asbestos by weight.

In New Jersey, most township building departments require an asbestos survey prior to issuing a demolishing and/or renovation permits. All asbestos remediation must be in accordance with all applicable Federal, State and Local regulations or codes that may apply to handling, disposal and contracting. Presently, general renovation and disposal operations at both publicly and privately owned and operated facilities in New Jersey are regulated by USEPA’s National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) Asbestos Standard (40 CFR 61, Subpart M) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) waste hauling and disposal regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:26-1, et.seq.). Furthermore, the New Jersey Administrative Code promulgated pursuant to the New Jersey Licenses and Permits regulations (N.J.A.C. 8:60 AND 12:120) requires that only contractors licensed by the Department of Labor be retained to perform asbestos abatement work. The work must be done in accordance with OSHA asbestos regulations 29 CFR 1910.1001 and 29 CFR 1926.1101.