Renovators Exposed to Asbestos Cost Companies $112K in Fines.

Three Texas-based companies were completing a commercial renovation in San Antonio, Asbestos Exposure
Texas when an inspection revealed that the companies exposed workers to asbestos. Willful violations include failure to locate and identify the amount of asbestos present, and failure to follow asbestos abatement practices.

Read More About Asbestos Do’s & Don’ts

Asbestos is commonly found in older homes and buildings. Common asbestos containing materials include:

  • Attic or Wall Insulation Containing Vermiculite
  • Vinyl Floor Tiles and the Mastic/Glue Used as an Adhesive
  • Roofing and Siding Shingles
  • Sheetrock and Joint Compound
  • Textured Paint or Patching Compounds
  • Hot Water and Steam Pipe Coatings or Coverings
  • Acoustic Texture on Ceilings

Disturbance of asbestos containing materials may cause asbestos particles to become airborne and contaminate the building, exposing workers and building owners to asbestos. Major health effects of asbestos exposure are lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, a long-term disease of the lungs.

If you suspect asbestos, it is imperative to immediately contact an accredited asbestos professional to conduct an inspection and correctly take samples for analysis by a third-party laboratory.  If the asbestos inspector determines that asbestos is present, you should contact a licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractor to properly remove the asbestos containing materials. Air monitoring should be conducted during the removal of the asbestos to ensure workers are not exposed.

Have more questions about asbestos? Contact SRP Environmental for more information or to perform an asbestos inspection.