Construction and demolition requires asbestos inspection

Asbestos is extremely hazardous to your health and the environment and is still an ingredient in building products available for sale and being used today. It is not safe to assume that because a structure was built after a certain date, it is safe to renovate or demolish without first identifying whether asbestos is present. In fact, there are strict rules in place pertaining to the handling and abatement of asbestos to protect public health. 

Most demolition and renovation projects require that a notification be sent to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) before any work is done. This is in addition to notifications your town may require. Also, most projects will require an inspection by a qualified asbestos inspector before beginning demolition or renovation work. Any asbestos identified must be abated before work is done, and asbestos-containing waste must be disposed of in accordance with the rules. When in doubt, ask! Below is a list of questions to ask before renovating or demolishing a structure: 

• Did I notify the state as well as the town? 
• Did I have an inspection performed by a qualified inspector to identify any potential asbestos-containing materials? 
• Where can I find a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to abate the asbestos-containing materials identified at the site? 
• Where can I find a facility permitted to receive asbestos-containing waste? 
• If a person fails to comply with all applicable requirements, NHDES has the authority to take action, including issuing administrative fines. Don’t let that happen to you! 

For more information, contact NHDES at (603) 271-3503 or go to the NHDES website.