Asbestos / Mold / Lead Paint

Comprehensive asbestos-abatement consulting services are offered including specification development, Inspection and documentation of work practices, air monitoring, and clearance sampling. Emphasis is placed on personnel protection, secure containment, and safe abatement practices.

Asbestos is perhaps the best-known hazardous material in the U.S. It is a known human carcinogen and cause of diseases directly related to excessive exposure. More than 10,000 people in the U.S. die from asbestos-related diseases per year.

Though human exposure to mold has been documented throughout human history, it has become an increasing concern over the last decade. The ubiquitous use of cellulose-containing materials (i.e., drywall, wood baseboards, wood studs, etc.) in buildings over the last few decades has led to our buildings becoming what might be called “mold sandwiches.” Just add water and the mold flourishes. Though many of the reports of adverse symptoms from elevated mold exposure have likely been sensationalized by the media, it is commonly accepted that individuals who are allergic or otherwise sensitive to mold will likely have adverse reactions to overexposure.

Lead is commonly found in old paint and other products. It is known to cause developmental health impacts to children and has other health concerns to adults. As a result, it is important that building owners and employers handle it appropriately to prevent occupant and employee exposure.

When present in occupied buildings or buildings to be demolished or renovated, these hazardous materials may result in hazardous exposures to occupants, neighbors, and / or the environment. Walsh Certified Consultants, Inc., assists in reducing or preventing these exposures through services that include initial assessments, management in-place, abatement-project design, abatement oversight, and abatement-effectiveness assurance (clearance).

Assessment

Walsh Certified Consultants, Inc., has numerous licensed asbestos inspectors and lead-based paint risk assessors / inspectors. Having this background has also been very valuable in developing methods for mold assessments (which is an issue not yet regulated). The assessment includes visual evaluations by trained personnel who identify the presence of these materials as well as their condition. If necessary, as in the case of suspect asbestos and lead-containing paint, samples are collected using appropriate regulatory and guideline methods. Upon completion of the assessment phase, the risks posed by the hazardous materials are evaluated and appropriate recommendations are made.

Property transactions – during the assessment of properties for potential environmental, health, and safety liabilities for the buyer or lender, Walsh Certified Consultants, Inc., provides evaluation services using ASTM standard practices for asbestos and mold. Lead assessments typically follow HUD guidelines.

Management In-Place

If management in-place is determined to be the best option for controlling the hazards of asbestos, lead, or even mold, then Walsh Certified Consultants, Inc., can provide plans and methods for the prevention of exposure to the hazards associated with these materials including employee training, regular inspections, emergency spill procedures, preventive maintenance, etc.

Abatement Project Design

Walsh Certified Consultants, Inc., has various licensed asbestos project designers who can prepare plans and specifications for the abatement of asbestos. These skills can be used for the design of lead and mold abatement projects as well. Proper project design can help assure cost-effective abatement along with a significant reduction of problems which usually accompany proper planning of construction projects.

Abatement Oversight

As the owner’s representative, Walsh Certified Consultants, Inc., can ensure that the abatement of asbestos, lead, and mold is conducted per the design and / or in compliance with industry and regulatory standards. By monitoring the contractor’s methods and schedule a better product with fewer change orders and less owner liability will typically result.

Clearance

At the conclusion of the asbestos, mold, or lead abatement project, it is important (required for asbestos by regulations) to have a third party assess the abatement area for abatement effectiveness. This is done first of all by a visual assessment. If visible contamination remains, Walsh Certified Consultants, Inc., requires further abatement or cleaning before continuing with the clearance. Walsh Certified Consultants, Inc., utilizes the ASTM standard for visible assessment of asbestos, which we adapt for mold and lead. After visible clearance is achieved, the abatement areas are typically sampled. The air is sampled in the case of asbestos and mold under aggressive air-movement conditions. Lead projects are typically cleared by wipe sampling or surface sampling. When the abated area meets clearance criteria, whether regulatory or guidance driven, the area is designated as being acceptable for re-occupancy and a report documenting the service is provided. This document can be very useful, especially for mold-abatement when the seller of the property discloses past mold problems (and allays the buyer’s concerns) by producing a report documenting the proper abatement of the hazards.