Asbestos is an airborne hazard. In more than 25 years of research into the relationship between airborne asbestos fibers and the diseases caused by exposure to these fibers, the bodily mechanisms by which inhaled asbestos fibers initiate asbestosis and various types of cancers is still not understood. To date, no effective treatment for asbestos-related diseases has been found, and the only means of preventing asbestos-related disease depends entirely on limiting the exposure to asbestos fibers.

The hazard presented by an asbestos-containing material depends on several factors. The asbestos content, the likelihood of damage or disturbance, and friability all contribute to a material's likelihood of releasing asbestos fibers into the air, and thus, the potential health hazard presented. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has each established regulations designed to reduce the likelihood of exposure to asbestos in public buildings and in the workplace.

The variety of conditions and regulations that affect the management of asbestos-containing materials often makes reducing asbestos-related hazards a complex task. IAQ Consultants, Inc. incorporates all applicable EPA, TDSHS and OSHA regulations into the development of an Asbestos Management Program that reduces the health hazards associated with asbestos and can also reduce or eliminate a building owner's or manager's asbestos-related liabilities. An Asbestos Management Program identifying asbestos-containing materials and recommending the most cost-effective means of controlling asbestos fibers is crucial to the safe management of any building containing asbestos.

To assist building owners and managers, IAQ Consultants, Inc. offers a complete range of asbestos consulting services, including facility surveys, management plans for identified asbestos-containing materials, abatement project specifications, and abatement project management and air monitoring.

IAQ Consultants, Inc. conducts all facility surveys in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and/or Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) protocol, as applicable. All sampling is performed by EPA-accredited and TDSHS-licensed asbestos consultants or inspectors. All materials suspected of containing asbestos are sampled. These samples are collected in such a manner as to minimize defacing of building components and disruption of building use patterns. All tools used in sampling are thoroughly cleaned following sample collection to prevent cross-contamination of sampled materials. Appropriate chain-of-custody protocols are initiated at the time of sample collection. Following sample recovery, samples are placed in secure containers and the sampled area is cleaned and sealed. Bulk samples are forwarded to a TDSHS-licensed laboratory for analysis by polarized light microscopy. Supplemental analyses by electron microscopy or x-ray diffraction are also available as needed. The analyzing laboratory will retain custody of samples unless directed otherwise.

Upon completion of laboratory analysis, a detailed report will be prepared. This report will include:

Should an asbestos abatement be necessary, IAQ Consultants, Inc. can develop a complete set of abatement project specifications, enabling abatement contractors to provide accurate time schedule and project cost estimates.

Project specifications are prepared by a Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS)-licensed Individual Asbestos Consultant, ensuring project completion in a cost effective manner. The specifications will include a detailed description of the scope of work to be performed and the methods and work practices to be followed by the asbestos abatement contractor. The specifications will also include a detailed description of monitoring services to be performed before, during and after abatement activities and outline applicable federal, state and local regulations.

IAQ Consultants, Inc. provides experienced, Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS)-licensed abatement project managers to provide project oversight and serve as the Owner's Representative. These project managers will monitor all project activities and ensure that all work conforms to project specifications and to all applicable government regulations.

The project manager also provides air monitoring services to provide documentation that abatement activities have been conducted properly and that public health has not been endangered. Baseline air samples are collected to provide a reference point for comparison with other air samples collected during the abatement process. Area air samples are continuously collected inside and outside the abatement area during actual abatement activities to ensure that proper care is being taken to protect the health of those involved in the abatement project and that no asbestos fibers are being allowed to "migrate" from the work area. Final clearance samples are collected following abatement to ensure the area is safe for normal occupancy.

In order to allow for the most rapid development of air sampling data, IAQ Consultants, Inc. offers on-site analysis of asbestos air samples. On-site analysis utilizes the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 7400 method of fiber identification. All microscopists are successful participants in the AIHA Proficiency Analytical Testing (PAT) Program and are listed on the AIHA Asbestos Analyst Registry (AAR).

A daily log is maintained by the project manager, providing primary documentation of the abatement contractor's activities and other events as they relate to the abatement project. Upon completion of the project, a final written report is prepared, outlining the scope of work and the methods used, and including all project document submittals and air sample analyses.

IAQ Consultants, Inc. is licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) as an Asbestos Consulting Agency. TDSHS-licensed Individual Asbestos Consultants, Asbestos Inspectors and Asbestos Project Managers perform on-site evaluations, field sampling, data interpretation, abatement project management and final report documentation. Professional staff attends annual refresher courses to ensure knowledge of current regulatory standards and conducts frequent peer reviews to maintain the highest level of professionalism in sampling and analytical techniques. American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) certified and TDSHS-licensed laboratories are employed for bulk sample analysis during building inspections. Abatement project managers participate in AIHA asbestos proficiency analytical testing (PAT), asbestos analytical testing (AAT) and voluntary round robin analytical testing to ensure quality control in microscopy laboratory procedures.