Multi-Family Residential Asbestos Testing Services

RHP’s licensed asbestos inspectors and certified industrial hygienists have decades of experience in identifying and managing risks associated with asbestos hazards. Over the years of research, hands-on experience, and scientific studies, RHP asbestos professionals have amassed a vast wealth of knowledge related to asbestos, historical products containing asbestos, and asbestos exposure hazards. With this knowledge, RHP professionals can offer the best solutions for building owners and other stakeholders related to the identification and risk management of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) found in the built environment (homes, buildings, structures). Building materials of concern can be found in both interior and exterior surfaces and components.

Our ACM identification process generally follows a typical pattern of an onsite building inspection to identify any suspected materials of concern, bulk material sampling of the suspected materials, and subsequent analysis in our accredited light microscopy laboratory. RHPs Licensed Air Sampling Professionals (ASPs) are also proficient in collecting and analyzing airborne samples to help determine any potential concentration of airborne fibers. Our ASPs and microscopists can provide results quickly and efficiently, generally while onsite.

RHP is well versed in working with our clients to assess and identify building hazardous materials whether it be asbestos, as well as mold and lead. We work with owners of multi-family residential properties to determine next steps needed to avoid exposure risks such as those arising from asbestos.

 

Where Is Asbestos Used in Residential Places?

Asbestos is a commercial term that refers to a group of six naturally occurring minerals that have been mined worldwide. The material began its addition to building materials and consumer products primarily due to its heat and flame resistant and durability properties. The six types of the mineral are separated into two categories: Amphibole and Serpentine. Serpentine asbestos includes only the Chrysotile type which accounts for about 95% of all asbestos containing building materials that has been used in the U.S.

These building materials used in homes include floor tiles and mastic, popcorn ceiling, vermiculite insulation, window glazing, pipe insulation and cement board siding and roofing.

 

How To Determine If Your Building Has Asbestos

In order for a homeowner to determine whether or not a building material contains asbestos, it is necessary for a licensed asbestos inspector to collect a small material sample and submit the sample to an accredited laboratory for analysis.

Multi-Family Residential Property Asbestos Testing & Sampling Services

RHP’s inspectors routinely conduct building inspections in multi-family residential buildings and understand the complexities associated with building types and classes, the hazards associated with buildings, risks of exposures to toxic and carcinogenic materials, and activities with and around building materials that may require special cleanup and disposal tasks (home renovation, restoration and demolition).

RHP works with building occupants, homeowners, insurance adjusters and contractors to determine the specific needs and scope of each project considering the objectives and motivations of the project and the local, state and federal regulations. Collected samples are analyzed at an accredited laboratory.

Professional Licensed Asbestos Inspector

Generally, asbestos regulations require only licensed, trained, and properly protected asbestos building inspectors to perform asbestos building inspections and the collecting of asbestos bulk samples and airborne samples. RHP asbestos professionals are fully licensed in several states. Additionally, states and local authorities generally require an asbestos building inspection prior to any demolition and remodeling work. This is extremely important to understand if asbestos materials are present, if they will potentially be disturbed during construction activities, and to understand if any asbestos materials need to be professionally removed to avoid exposing workers and occupants from airborne asbestos hazards.

RHP recommends homeowners and property managers, contractors, and insurers retain a professional licensed asbestos inspector to conduct an inspection and sampling for suspected asbestos building materials prior to renovation activities. Licensed inspectors are required to complete training annually and follow federal, state, and local guidance when collecting samples. If samples are not collected in the proper fashion, asbestos fibers may become airborne creating an unnecessary exposure event.

 

When to Request Asbestos Inspection

Real Estate Property Transaction Due Diligence

During a real estate/real property transaction, a general home inspection is typically conducted which identifies deficiencies within the home or unit and provides recommendations. In structures of particular age or class, asbestos can be identified in a home inspection report as an item to have assessed by a professional. However not all home inspectors are knowledgeable or trained to identify suspect materials. RHP’s inspectors have the expertise to assess the material(s) of concern and sample as necessary or provide guidance on next steps.

Renovation or Demolition 

National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) requires a thorough asbestos inspection be conducted in multi-unit residential buildings containing 5 or more units prior to demolition. This federal standard requires a limited inspection be conducted prior to renovation of any building where materials will be disturbed. however local city, county, and municipal regulating bodies such as Cook County, IL, may have requirements that are similar to NESHAP related to renovation and/or demolition projects.

Urgent Cleanup/Restoration

Fire or flood damage cleanup and restoration can often undercover hidden asbestos containing materials that could be overlooked in the flurry of activity. Generally, fire and flood damage restoration is performed as quickly as possible in order to minimize disturbance to the insured or affected occupants. Sampling of suspected asbestos containing materials (ACMs) within the affected areas, rooms, or structures, followed by and quick lab results and identification of the presence or absence of asbestos, can lead to a swift resolution to a potentially risky difficult situation or liability.

Flooring Replacement 

Large flooring contractors maintain corporate policies include requirements that homeowners verify the existing flooring in the area, space, building at issue to confirm there is no asbestos containing materials prior to the contractor removing or disturbing any building materials including flooring. A sample of the flooring and associated mastic (adhesive) is usually all that is needed to resolve the matter. RHP’s inspectors can collect samples of the flooring materials and results are often provided the same day to keep the project moving along.

 

Multi-Family Residential Property Air Monitoring for Asbestos

Based on the age, location and class of multi-family residential buildings may have building materials that are asbestos containing. Asbestos containing building materials (ACMs), if disturbed, have the potential to result in exposure to airborne fibers by homeowners, occupants, or contractors. Any work activity or demolition and any workers including homeowners/DIYers that may interact with ACMs, intentionally or inadvertently, within a residential building or single-family home could be at risk and should take precautions, wear protection and understand the risks associated with asbestos exposure.

When ACMs are disturbed during a planned asbestos abatement project, a containment and air monitoring are used to ensure workers and other occupants are not exposed to elevated airborne fiber concentrations RHPs Licensed Air Sampling Professionals (ASPs) are proficient in collecting and analyzing airborne samples to help determine any potential concentration of airborne fibers. Our ASPs and microscopists can provide results quickly and efficiently, generally while onsite for quick identification and quicker response to mitigate risks.

 

Learn More About Our Multi-Family Residential Property Asbestos Testing

RHP’s licensed asbestos building inspectors and certified industrial hygienists have decades of experience in identifying and managing risks associated with asbestos hazards. Over the years of research, hands on experience, and scientific studies, RHP asbestos professionals have amassed a vast wealth of knowledge related to asbestos, historical products containing asbestos, and asbestos exposure hazards. RHPs asbestos professionals can help you with your asbestos-related questions, concerns, management of risks, and compliance with all of the complicated, stringent, Federal and local asbestos regulations.

Contact RHP for an initial consultation and learn more about our professional multi-family residential property asbestos services. We can be reached at rhprisk.com/contact-us/ or call (773) 867-6010.

For further references and RHP White Papers on the topic, see: rhprisk.com/white-papers

Content Reviewed & Verified by Our Asbestos Experts

Jacob Persky, MPH, CIH – A board-certified Industrial Hygienist and holds multiple professional licenses for asbestos and lead in Illinois and Indiana.

Ben Heckman, MPH, CIH – AHERA trained and accredited and holds certifications as a Cal/DOSH Certified Asbestos Consultant (CAC) and Cal/DPH Certified Lead-Related Construction, Inspector/Risk Assessor, and Project Monitor.