ASBESTOS SURVEY

A professional building inspection for asbestos-based materials is required under law before renovation or demolition work can proceed

September 27, 2010 – An asbestos survey is a comprehensive examination of a public or residential building to identify the presence and location of asbestos containing materials before construction workers can move in and proceed with remodeling.

The specific goal of any asbestos survey is to locate toxic construction products (i.e., asbestos tile or asbestos-based wallboard) so that they can be removed safely by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor before tradesmen begin their jobs.

An asbestos survey is required before major changes are made to a building, especially if the structure was built in an era when asbestos was in abundant use; that is, before 1986.

That year, Congress enacted the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) to protect workers in all trades from occupational asbestos exposure. Asbestos kills 10,000 individuals in the United States and 90,000 people worldwide annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its U.S. regional offices enforce AHERA regulations.

Asbestos surveys are usually required before a renovation or demolition permit will be issued. If asbestos is identified, licensed asbestos abatement contractors must be hired to remove the toxic material before workers can proceed.

Weitz & Luxenberg will represent your best interests

Weitz & Luxenberg’s Asbestos Litigation Unit is a national legal force, long recognized for obtaining record-setting multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of workers injured by occupational asbestos exposure.

Specializing in asbestos litigation since the 1980s, Weitz & Luxenberg has grown its practice to include a pharmaceutical division that handles approximately 20 different drug and medical device litigations, and a nationally focused environmental unit that represents communities and individuals harmed by polluted drinking water and toxic emissions from landfills.

If you ever worked professionally with asbestos-based products, and have been diagnosed with an asbestos disease such as mesothelioma or asbestosis, you may be eligible for financial compensation. For a free review of your case, please use the communication form on this page and a representative from our firm will be in touch shortly.