What you need to know about Asbestos and Lead

If your building was built before 1980, there’s a good chance you’ve got asbestos, lead, or both hiding somewhere in the structure. And if you’re planning any kind of renovation or demo work, it’s your responsibility to test for and safely remove those materials before construction begins.

Let’s break it down.

Abatement work underway in an attic

Asbestos: The Sneaky One

Asbestos was widely used from 1900 through the 1970s in more than 3,000 products, because it made materials stronger and more fire-resistant. Sounds great, right? Until they realized it causes cancer when it becomes airborne.

Even buildings constructed after 1980 aren’t totally in the clear - some imported products still contained asbestos, so testing is required no matter what year your building went up.

Are you planning a remodel? Your contractor is required to have the affected areas tested for asbestos-containing materials (ACM). Usually, they’ll bring in a subcontractor for this, but it’s worth asking who they’re using and making sure they’re actually certified. Click here for a list of certified technicians:  https://www.dir.ca.gov/databases/doshcaccsst/caccsst_Query_1.asp

Where asbestos tends to show up:

• Adhesives under floor tiles and sheet flooring

• Plaster compounds on walls

• Roofing shingles and materials

• Pipe wrap (especially around boiler and steam lines)

• Spray-applied fireproofing

Spoiler alert: it can be anywhere. Testing doesn’t take long, and results usually come back within a few days. But abatement contractors book out fast, so get your testing scheduled early!

Lead Abatement work being done on the side of a Building

Lead: The Classic Offender

Most people associate lead with old paint, but it was also used in:

• Plumbing pipes and solder

• Bronze faucets and fixtures

• Roofing materials

• Vinyl flooring

• Water lines

• Even soil, from years of chipping paint or leaching

Any demolition, excavation, or even light digging in older soil requires testing for lead. If it's found, it needs to be removed or safely encapsulated by an EPA-certified contractor. Click here for a list of certified lead professionals: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/CLPPB/Pages/LRCcertlist.aspx

Our Take? Don’t Wait

Whether it’s a full building renovation or just replacing a bathroom floor, you’ll want a qualified team to assess any abatement needs before you touch a thing. It’ll save you time, liability, and a whole lot of headaches later.

We’ve got a vetted list of top-tier abatement experts ready to help. Contact them now for your next remodeling project.

Find a great Abatement Contractor Today!

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