Asbestos

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For further assistance or questions regarding the Asbestos Program, please contact us at AQMDasbestos@nnph.org or (775) 784-7200.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals known for their fibrous structure and physical properties like resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals. The 6 main types are actinolite, amosite (cummingtonite-grunerite), tremolite, chrysotile (serpentinite), crocidolite (riebeckite), or anthophyllite.

What are the Health Effects from Exposure to Asbestos?

Asbestos is a serious health hazard. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring. This causes diseases including asbestosis (a chronic lung condition), lung cancer, and mesothelioma (an aggressive form or lung cancer linked almost exclusively to asbestos exposure).

Where is Asbestos Found?

Historically, asbestos was widely used in a variety of building materials, insulation, roofing products, and fireproofing. Use of asbestos in in the United States significantly decreased in the late 20th century, but some products containing asbestos are still imported and still in use today. Attempts to implement a total ban on asbestos in the United States have been unsuccessful.

For more information on asbestos, please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

What You Need to Know About the Asbestos Program in Washoe County

The Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) enforces the National Emission Standard for Asbestos (NESHAP) under 40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M and the District Board of Health Regulations Governing Air Quality Management PARTS 040.110 - Asbestos Control Standards and 040.115 Acknowledgement of Asbestos Assessment.

These regulations apply to renovation and demolition activities at any facility where there may be disturbance of suspect asbestos-containing material and complete demolition (demolition to the ground) of any structure including single-family residences.

FACILITY means any institutional, commercial, public, industrial, or residential structure, installation, or building (including any structure, installation, or building containing condominiums or individual dwelling units operated as a residential cooperative but excluding residential buildings having four or fewer dwelling units); any ship; and any active or inactive waste disposal site. For purposes of this definition, any building, structure, or installation that contains a loft used as a dwelling is not considered a residential structure, installation, or building. Any structure, installation or building that was previously subject to this subpart is not excluded, regardless of its current use or function.

SUSPECT ASBESTOS-CONTAINING MATERIAL means material that has historically contained asbestos including, but not limited to, surfacing material, thermal system insulation, roofing material (excluding asphalt shingles), fire barriers, gaskets, flooring material, and cement siding. Suspect asbestos-containing material must be presumed to be asbestos-containing material unless demonstrated otherwise (e.g., as determined using the method specified in the EPA publication, Method for the Determination of Asbestos in Building Materials, EPA/600/R-93/116, July 1993).

When making the determination of whether or not a facility is regulated, the intended use of the property is considered. For example, if a single-family residence will be demolished to support a commercial project, it is subject to the requirements in the Asbestos NESHAP regulation and the District Board of Health Regulations Governing Air Quality Management PARTS 040.110 and 040.115.

It is recommended that you contact the State of Nevada OSHA regarding their requirements for the disturbance of asbestos containing materials: http://dir.nv.gov/OSHA/Home/.

What Are the Requirements for Building Permits in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County?

Acknowledgement of Asbestos Assessment (AAA) - An AAA is a document certifying that an asbestos survey has been performed to the satisfaction of the AQMD. This document was previously called a "pink slip" or may be referred to as an "asbestos letter" by the building department.

An AAA is required prior to obtaining a building permit for a complete demolition of any building, including single family residences. An AAA is required for a renovation (including roof tear-offs) at a regulated facility unless the disturbance of suspect asbestos-containing materials is:

- Less than 260 linear feet (asbestos pipes, thermal system insulation)

- Less than 160 square feet (surfacing materials, wall systems, flooring, ceilings, glues/mastics, etc.)

- Less than 35 cubic feet for materials that cannot be measured in linear feet or square feet (contaminated soils)

- The project will only disturb material that is known to not contain asbestos such as wood, metal and glass.

The requirement to complete an asbestos survey as specified in PART 040.110 applies to every project where disturbance of a suspect asbestos-containing materials may occur regardless of the length, area, or volume of disturbance.

Prior to applying for an AAA, an asbestos survey must be performed by an AHERA Certified Building Inspector. The inspection, and resulting asbestos survey report, must be performed to determine whether materials, components, or structures to be worked on, renovated, removed, disturbed, impacted, or demolished (including materials on the outside of structures) contain asbestos. The asbestos survey must meet the requirements in 040.110.C.

The AQMD does not perform asbestos surveys or sampling. A list of local AHERA Certified Building Inspectors can be found in the Resources section at the bottom of this webpage. Please note this list may not include all operators.

A complete application for an AAA will be processed within 10 business days.

How to Apply for an AAA

For a AAA application to be considered complete, the following must be included:

- A complete application through OneNV.us

- An asbestos survey fulfilling all the requirements of 040.110.C

- Building plans identifying the areas of demolition or renovation

- Any other information pertinent to the scope of work.

For example, photos showing the current condition of the renovation area.

- Required fees

A complete application may be submitted via the following methods:

Online (Preferred Method - Fastest Processing Times)

You may apply for an AAA online through OneNV.us.

Detailed instructions for how to apply online can be found ( here ).

Mail, Email, or AQMD Drop Box (Slower Processing Times)

You may submit an application for an AAA by mail, or email, or hand deliver to the AQMD Drop Box.

Please include a complete Application for Acknowledgement of Asbestos Assessment along with all required documentation.

Mailing Address: 1001 E. Ninth Street, Suite B-171, Reno, NV 89512

Email: AQMDasbestos@nnph.org

AQMD Drop Box: Map to the AQMD Drop Box

What are the Notification Requirements?

Asbestos NESHAP Notification of Renovation

Notification to the AQMD is required for removal of Regulated Asbestos Containing Material (RACM) meeting the threshold quantities in PART 040.110. Threshold quantities are 260 linear feet on pipes, 160 square feet on other components, or 35 cubic feet where length and area can’t be accurately measured. An Asbestos NESHAP Notification of Renovation must be submitted to the AQMD at least 10-working days (2 full weeks) prior to the start of asbestos removal. RACM must be removed by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor.

Notification of Demolition

Notification to the AQMD is required for any building demolition, including single family residences. A Demolition Notification must be submitted to the AQMD at least 10-working days (2 full weeks) prior to the start of demolition.