Local Law 1 & Local Law 31

Asbestos is the name given to describe the fibers of six naturally occuring minerals found in metamorphic rock. Its many sought-after characteristics such as high strength and heat resistance combined with its flexibility is why it was used in many building construction materials over the years.

Due to the many beneficial properties of asbestos, it can be found in a vast array of building materials such as: - Roofing Shingles - Floor Tiles - Cement Products - Textured Paint - Fire Proofing - Siding Shingles - Adhesive / Mastic - Heat-Resistant Fabric - Ceiling Tiles - Paper Products - Insulation - Patching Compounds - Gaskets - Pipe Coatings - Packaging - Clutches & Brakes - Etc.

Asbestos fibers are most commonly released into the air during various types of construction work. ​It is uncommon to be exposed to asbestos if the material is not being disturbed or damaged. Keep in mind that asbestos fibers travel through the air so the issue does not necessarily have to be in your home or office. Do you have a neighbor who is undergoing construction? Before beginning any sort of construction, renovation, or demolition project it is important, and in many areas a legal requirement, to first conduct an asbestos test.

It is usually difficult to tell if something is asbestos just by looking at it. If you believe it to be asbestos, leave it alone, and have a trained professional come to assess and sample the suspect material(s). Asbestos testing and analysis is the only true way to know whether or not a material contains asbestos. Please see these Do's and Dont's for some additional tips.