Asbestos Regulations Explained
WNCRAQA must be notified of plans to demolish or remodel any building in Buncombe county no matter the age, including residential, commercial, industrial or public buildings; or plans to remove any asbestos-containing material. These buildings must be surveyed by accredited asbestos inspectors prior to beginning any demolition or removal activities, to determine the amount of asbestos present and the applicable rules.
If asbestos is present, a permit must be obtained from WNCRAQA before any asbestos-containing materials are removed from a building. All asbestos-containing materials must be removed before a building may be demolished.
Demolition or removal must be handled so that asbestos fibers are not released into the air. Asbestos-containing materials must be kept wet. Materials that can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry, (friable), must be removed by asbestos-accredited professionals prior to demolition. Asbestos cement board, or transite siding, must be removed prior to demolition.
Asbestos is dangerous and is harmful to humans. A naturally occurring mineral, it is a known carcinogen and its long, sharp microscopic fibers can penetrate and remain in the human body. Diseases associated with asbestos exposure include asbestosis, lung cancer, and cancers of the stomach, esophagus, colon and pancreas.
Read more at epa.gov/iaq/asbestos.