One Source Environmental routinely performs asbestos material inspections and surveys. These surveys involve bulk material sampling to test for the presence of asbestos fibers in building materials.

We will make sure that the inspection will include a complete visual examination and the careful collection and lab analysis of samples. If asbestos is present, the report will provide a written evaluation describing its location and give recommendations for correction or prevention.

Operation and Management (O&M) Plans

One Source Environmental commonly investigates sites which are determined to be built with asbestos-containing materials. However, the condition of the materials may be such that they do not present any imminent danger to building personnel. In these cases, we recommend in-place management of asbestos containing materials.

In-place management is controlled and documented by a written “Asbestos Material Operations and Management Plan.” We routinely provide clients with the compilation of building specific asbestos management plans and proper training of facility managers.

Asbestos and Cancer

People may be exposed to asbestos in their workplace, their communities, or their homes.

If products containing asbestos are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they may get trapped in the lungs and remain there for a long time. Over time, these fibers can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation, which can affect breathing and lead to serious health problems

Asbestos has been classified as a known human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the EPA, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Our certified and licensed asbestos inspection team provides comprehensive inspection services including the following:

• Identification of asbestos type, percent composition, material location.
• Hazard/risk assessment, document condition of asbestos, mitigation and response action recommendation.
• Written reports to support AHERA, NESHAPS, or Building Permit needs

Common products that might have contained asbestos in the past, and conditions which may release fibers, include:

Resilient floor tiles (vinyl asbestos, asphalt, and rubber), the backing on vinyl sheet flooring, and adhesives – used for installing floor tile. Sanding tiles can release fibers.

Patching and joint compounds for walls and ceilings, textured paints and ceiling texture – sanding, scraping, or drilling these surfaces may release asbestos.

Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation.

Steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts – insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape. These materials may release asbestos fibers if damaged, repaired, or removed improperly.

Cement sheet, millboard, and paper – used as insulation around furnaces and wood burning stoves. Repairing or removing appliances may release asbestos fibers. So may cutting, tearing, sanding, drilling, or sawing insulation.

Door gaskets – in furnaces, wood stoves, and coal stoves. Worn seals can release asbestos fibers during use.

Soundproofing or decorative material – sprayed on walls and ceilings. Loose, crumbly, or water-damaged material may release fibers.