Asbestos Inspection Charlotte

CDA provides clients in the Charlotte and surrounding area with asbestos inspections/surveys following the protocol set by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). Asbestos containing materials (ACM) can not be identified by a visual inspection alone. Sampling suspect ACM and testing by an accredited laboratory per applicable EPA testing methods is the only way to properly identify ACM. There are many varieties of asbestos: the most common are chrysotile (makes up 90-95% of all asbestos contained in buildings), amosite, known as “brown asbestos”, and crocidolite. These naturally occuring mineral fibers are mined to be used in building materials because of there resistance to heat and chemicals. Because of the adverse health issues associated with asbestos (Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, lung cancer), the high use prior to 1980, and even controlled uses today, residential, industrial and commercial structures are required to be tested prior to renovation and demolition. (OSHA Construction Standard 29 CFR 1926.1101 and NESHAP Regulation 40 CFR –Part 61)

Asbestos can be commonly found in the following materials:

• Vinyl Flooring (Floor Tiles);
• Acoustical Ceiling Tiles (Drop Ceilings);
• Window Glazing;
• Roofing Materials; 
• Transite Siding; 
• Insulation surrounding boilers and associated steam piping (Thermal System Insulation - TSI); 
• Drywall and joint compound;
• Sprayed on fireproofing on steel structures such as beams, columns, trusses, joist and steel pan floors. It was also used as a decorative finish and acoustical insulation on ceilings;
• Coatings for roof cement, caulking and flashing materials;
• Gaskets for boiler, furnace/kiln doors, high pressure steam lines, packing for water pumps, and valves.

 CDA can perform the asbestos testing by itself or in conjunction with lead-based paint inspections, mold inspections, radon testing, and/or home energy audits to insure abatement, mitigation, retrofitting, repair work, and renovation activities do not impact asbestos containing building materials.