Asbestos: Renovation and Demolition

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Vermont Department of Health (Department) have specific requirements for rental, public, and commercial buildings, where renovation or demolition activities are to take place.

Under the law, both the building owner and contractor are responsible to ensure the inspection has been conducted prior to the renovation or demolition.

What happens if the inspector finds asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in the building?

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What happens if the inspector does not find ACM in the building?

Are there ACM that a general contractor can remove?

Some ACM pose less of a health risk because they do not release fibers easily unless chipped, ground, sanded, sawed, drilled, abraded, etc.

Does an inspector have to sample these materials?

No. You can sample the materials using the Department guidelines.

These materials do have to be removed prior to the renovation or demolition, but the building owner or general contractor can do this. There are work standards and disposal requirements for these materials.

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Sample List of Suspect Abestos-Containing Materials

This list does not include every product or material that may contain asbestos.

cement pipes

cement wallboard

cement siding

asphalt floor tile

vinyl floor tile

vinyl sheet flooring

flooring backing

construction mastics

acoustical plaster

decorative plaster

textured paints/coatings

ceiling tiles and lay-in panels

spray-applied insulation

exterior asbestos cement siding

exterior asbestos roofing materials

fireproofing materials

taping compounds (thermal)

packing materials (walls/floors)

high temperature gaskets

laboratory hoods/table tops

laboratory gloves

fire blankets

fire curtains

elevator equipment panels

elevator brake shoes

HVAC duct insulation

boiler insulation

breeching insulation

ductwork flexible fabric

pipe insulation

heating and electrical ducts

electrical cloth insulation

chalkboards

roofing shingles/felt/flashing

thermal paper products

fire doors

caulking/putties

adhesives

joint compounds

vinyl wall coverings

spackling compounds

exterior asbestos transite board

exterior asbestos cement piping

vinyl asbestos floor tile and mastic’s

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Additional Information

The Asbestos Program provides certification lists of inspectors, contractors and laboratories. We also have guidance on sampling and work standards. We can also provide you with technical assistance and additional information about state and federal requirements.

For more information contact:

Asbestos and Lead Regulatory Program
P.O. Box 70 , 108 Cherry St .
Burlington, VT 05402
800-439-8550 (toll free within Vermont)
802-863-7220
Fax: 802-863-7483

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