One building component we all want to avoid is Asbestos, but the origin of this notorious compound is not often as popularly known. The use of Asbestos can actually be traced back to the 1850s when New York based Construction Company Johns-Manville Corporation started producing materials which contained the harmful substance. Unsurprisingly, New York soon became home to the most asbestos-containing buildings in the United States.

With increased awareness and dynamic skyline, however, concerted efforts have been made to rid the city of asbestos, and so it has become a best practice for residents undergoing refurbishing or construction projects to test for asbestos and take prudent removal measures to prevent endangering other residents from inhaling the dangerous fibers.

Asbestos Testing in Brooklyn, NYC

Like many parts of New York, Brooklyn is a robust metropolis with a constantly evolving skyline fueled by construction of new buildings and refurbishing of older ones. Being the most densely populated borough of New York, chances of having asbestos fibers spread insanely fast is always a threat, and so erring on the side of caution by testing for asbestos is a good first step to prevent residents from inhaling harmful asbestos fibers.

Asbestos Testing in Queens, NYC

Queens is also another New York borough which constantly undergoes construction works. The city houses many old buildings from the 1940s and before, making it a high-risk location for asbestos inhalation. Owners and residents of Queens are always on the alert and are advised to consider asbestos inspection before taking on any construction or remodeling project.

Asbestos Testing in Manhattan, NYC

With all the work that has gone on in Manhattan in recent years, it is prudent to understand that this doesn’t mean that the asbestos which was present has been eliminated. Often, restoration work on facades and other areas may suggest that the building is new but that should not be taken for granted. It is still necessary to have an asbestos test.

ACP5 Forms — New York City’s fight against Asbestos

ACP5 Forms are required by the city of New York for any renovation, demolition etc. Basically, any time a material which is suspected of having asbestos is to be disturbed an asbestos investigation has to be carried out. After this inspection is carried out, the asbestos investigator files an ACP5 Form with the city of New York to certify that the material being worked on does not contain asbestos, the asbestos to be disturbed is less than 10 square feet or 25 linear feet or if the asbestos will not be disturbed.