Asbestos Abatement: What should a licensed environmental consulting firm do?

A licensed firm should review with you the abatement that was conducted in your building or home. This may include a visual inspection of the location where the asbestos material was abated and an evaluation of the type and quantity of the material abated. The environmental consulting firm also might recommend air, dust and/or bulk material sampling to determine if there may be asbestos fibers present and if the level of asbestos in your building or home is within permissible levels. Only a certified Air Sampling Technician may conduct air sampling for asbestos fibers, and the samples must be sent to an Environmental Laboratory that is certified by the New York State Department of Health to analyze asbestos samples. If additional asbestos may be in your building or home, the licensed firm may recommend that an asbestos inspection be conducted. An Inspector or Project Designer can evaluate the condition of confirmed asbestos material and aid the building or homeowner in determining the appropriate course of action.

If you have any questions regarding the laboratory analysis of asbestos or need a list of environmental laboratories certified to analyze for asbestos, contact the New York State Department of Health at (518) 485-5570.

Courtesy of the New York State Health Department