Mid-Atlantic Asbestos

Where can I find additional information regarding the health effects of asbestos exposure?

Where can I find a listing of products that may contain asbestos?

Is the seller of a commercial or residential property required to remove asbestos before the property is sold?

Is the seller of the property required to inform the prospective buyers about the asbestos containing building materials in the building and/or home?

Where can I find a certified laboratory that performs asbestos analysis in my area?

Where can I find an asbestos contractor located in my area?

Who should I contact on how to dispose of asbestos debris from my residence?

Who should I contact if I believe that asbestos containing materials are handled improperly?

Where can I obtain a copy of the asbestos notification?

Who should I contact if there is ongoing asbestos removal at my child’s school?

Is it true that all schools are require to comply with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act’s (AHERA) requirements?

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Q. Where can I find additional information regarding the health effects of asbestos exposure?

A. You can go to the Agency for Toxics Substances Disease Registry’s Web site or the American Lung Association’s Web site.

Q. Where can I find a listing of products that may contain asbestos?

A listing is located at http://www.epa.gov/Region06/6pd/asbestos/asbmatl.htm. Please note that this listing does not include every product/material that may contain asbestos. It is intended to be used as a general guide to show which types of materials may contain asbestos.

Q. Is the seller of a commercial or residential property required to remove asbestos before the property is sold?

A. EPA does not regulate real estate transactions. Therefore, EPA does not require the seller to remove asbestos before the property is sold. Please note that EPA does not require the removal of asbestos nor regulate asbestos in the home.

Q. Is the seller of the property required to inform the prospective buyers about the asbestos containing building materials in the building and/or home?

A. EPA does not regulate real estate transactions. Therefore, EPA does not require the seller to disclose information regarding asbestos containing building materials in the building and/or home. However, there may be state/local disclosure requirements affecting the sale of homes. For more details, please contact the real estate agency.

Q. Where can I find a certified laboratory that performs asbestos analysis in my area?

A. EPA suggests that you contact the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program at (301)-975-4016 or visit their Web site.

Q. Where can I find an asbestos contractor located in my area?

A. EPA suggests that you consult the yellow pages for an asbestos contractor in your area. Please note that your asbestos contractor should be trained and/or licensed perform asbestos abatement. To verify that your asbestos contractor is trained and/or licensed, please either contact the training provider that provided the asbestos training to your asbestos contractor, or call your state asbestos contact to determine if your contractor is licensed by the state to perform asbestos abatement. To find your state asbestos contact, go to www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/statecontact.pdf.

Q. Who should I contact on how to dispose of asbestos debris from my residence?

A. To obtain the proper procedures for disposing of asbestos debris, you must contact your local, county, and state solid waste department.

Q. Who should I contact if I believe that asbestos containing materials are handled improperly?

A. You can contact your state asbestos contact. To find your state asbestos contact, go to www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/statecontact.pdf. Also, you may call EPA at 215-814-2103.

Q. Where can I obtain a copy of the asbestos notification?

A. You can request a copy from the state agency. To locate the state asbestos contact, go to www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/statecontact.pdf

Q. Who should I contact if there is ongoing asbestos removal at my child’s school?

A. You may either contact EPA at 215-814-2103 or your asbestos state contact.

Q. Is it true that all schools are require to comply with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act’s (AHERA) requirements?

A. Yes, AHERA applies to public and not-for-profits schools ranging from elementary to high school. These not-for-profit schools include public, private, charter, and religious schools. AHERA requires that these schools must be able to manage the asbestos building containing material in place by doing the following: assigning a designated person, conducting initial inspections and re-inspections to determine the condition of these building materials, performing response actions, maintaining records, training the maintenance staff, providing annual notification regarding asbestos related activities to the school’s occupants, and developing, maintaining, and updating an asbestos management plan. For more information, please visit this website: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/asbestos_in_schools.html.

Please direct any questions or comments about Asbestos information to

Stephen Forostiak, Asbestos Programs Coordinator
General information regarding asbestos, and regulatory issues
(215) 814-2136
e-mail - forostiak.stephen@epa.gov