The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has created an online notification system for emergency asbestos situations. If asbestos is suspected in the managed demolition of a building, time can be taken to ensure that the dangerous asbestos fibers are not released into the outside air.
If a hurricane-damaged building, however, has to be quickly demolished, the possibility of asbestos fiber release must be rapidly addressed. The EPA released “Guidelines for Catastrophic Emergency Situations Involving Asbestos” in the early 1990s. This paper was critical for dealing with natural disasters and catastrophes like:
- 9/11
- Hurricane Rita
- Hurricane Katrina
- Hurricane Harvey
Florida is prone to hurricanes, subsequent floods, and more localized weather events like tornadoes. These adverse events can cause buildings to be precariously damaged and need fast demolition. Therefore, the DEP has moved to an online emergency asbestos notification platform.
Electronic Notification
To facilitate quick demolition in catastrophic situations, the DEP has made electronic notification submission available. Florida asbestos removal is handled under the Florida Administrative Code Chapter 62-257. The code’s purpose is to prevent outside asbestos fiber release during demolition.
To utilize the online system, demolition contractors must create an account login, fill out an asbestos notification, and eventually pay the required fees.
EPA Information
The Florida DEP has also linked the aforementioned EPA Asbestos “Guidelines for Catastrophic Emergency Situations Involving Asbestos.” The paper discusses:
- What emergency responders need to know.
- How to dispose of and clean up asbestos-contaminated materials.
- How to properly demolish buildings.
- How to move material that might contain asbestos.
Asbestos Facts
The EPA paper succinctly summarizes key asbestos facts:
- Minerals form long fibers and these are commonly called asbestos.
- Asbestos is found in rock formations and geological fault lines.
- Asbestos lasts a long time and normally does not naturally degrade.
- Homes can contain asbestos.
- A variety of building materials like metal, steel, glass, tiles, ceilings, and shingles could contain asbestos.
- Some asbestos substances are still not banned in the United States.
- Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma and cancer.
- Any building might present asbestos-containing materials (ACM).
The EPA identified three important asbestos abatement points:
- If ACM is kept wet, fiber release can be minimized.
- ACM should not be subject to grinding or burning.
- Transportation requirements must be strictly followed.
Local Asbestos Concerns
In addition to worries that quick demolition could release harmful asbestos particles, Orlando residents need to be aware that asbestos can lurk in their workplaces and homes. If asbestos pipe insulation, for example, is located undamaged, it might be best left alone. Undisturbed damage-free ACMs are usually not a problem.
Some situations–like popcorn ceiling removal–should be avoided because unprofessional removal techniques can expose home inhabitants to asbestos fibers. Remember that illness from asbestos exposure can take decades to manifest.
Orlando Area Asbestos Exposure Sites
- Bill Put Drywall
- L.Nelson Drywall
- Chadwell Drywall
- Walt Disney
- Estes Ingram
- Magnolia School
- Orlando Utilities
- Sonny’s Drywall
- Florida Tile
- Marine Insulation
Have You Been Exposed?
If you are worried about asbestos in your home or workplace, you need to contact a qualified Orlando Mesothelioma Attorney like the Throneberry Law Group. The Throneberry Law Group provides aggressive and compassionate support and representation for asbestos cancer victims. Call an experienced Throneberry Law Group attorney today at (888) 506-1131, or visit them online for 24/7 assistance.
