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Asbestos FAQs for Property Managers and Condominium Association Members

Because of serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA) and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) have established regulations that apply to building renovation and demolition activities.

Condominiums are regulated by the Asbestos National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) to ensure asbestos is not released into the air during demolition or renovation projects.

Are you or your unit owners planning to renovate?

The NESHAP applies to you, and you must follow the asbestos notification process.

Why does this apply to us?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that it is the responsibility of the condominium board or association to ensure that all rules are followed.

How is it regulated?

Pinellas County Air Quality, through partnerships with the State of Florida and the EPA, provides regulatory guidance to the community.

Air Quality performs inspections of asbestos projects to ensure that required work practices are being followed. This minimizes contamination to the outdoor air to protect the health of our community.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a natural mineral known to have been used extensively in insulation, fireproofing, soundproofing and other building materials.

Is asbestos still being used today?

Asbestos is still being manufactured and used today and can be found in many materials. Exposure to asbestos fibers due to mishandling has been linked to asbestosis (a scarring of lung tissue), lung cancer and mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the chest cavity).

How do we know if we have asbestos?

An asbestos survey must be completed for all areas that are being renovated or demolished. By law, the survey must be performed by a licensed asbestos consultant. Keep this survey in an accessible place on-site at all times.

The Board (or residents) are planning renovation or demolition activity. Now what?

Follow this checklist to comply with asbestos regulations and protect your health:

  • Perform an asbestos survey before undertaking any activity affecting individual units or common areas, including external surfaces. Only a State of Florida licensed consultant can perform an asbestos survey.
  • Keep the asbestos survey on site during any renovation or demolition activity.
  • Submit an asbestos notification as required.
  • If asbestos needs to be removed, only a State of Florida licensed asbestos contractor can do so (in most circumstances).

Typical Suspect Asbestos Containing Materials*

  • Acoustical plaster
  • Adhesives
  • Base flashing
  • Blown-insulation/wiring insulation
  • Caulking/putty
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Lay-in panels
  • Cement pipes
  • Cement siding
  • Cement wallboard
  • Decorative plaster
  • Duct work connections
  • Electrical cloth/partitions
  • Fire doors/fireproofing materials
  • Exterior building coatings/panels
  • High temperature gaskets
  • Spackle/joint/taping compounds
  • Mastic (floor, tile, carpet, cove base, mirror, etc.)
  • Packing materials
  • Pipe insulation
  • Roofing shingles
  • Popcorn/textured ceiling treatment
  • Spray applied insulation
  • Textured paints and coatings
  • Vinyl sheet flooring/rolled vinyl floors
  • Vinyl wall or floor coverings
  • Wallboard

*This list is not all-inclusive. Over 3,000 products have been found to contain asbestos.

Where can I find more information?

If you have questions about asbestos, contact our office at (727) 464-4422.