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Did You Know? Handling of ACCM Construction and demolition (C&D) debris includes the materials that are discarded from construction and remodel projects. Materials such as asphalt, concrete, brick, rock, soil, lumber, gypsum wallboard, cardboard, roofing material, ceramic tile, carpeting, fixtures, plastic pipe and metals. Many of the building materials may contain asbestos (asbestos containing construction materials or ACCM), a naturally-occurring fibrous mineral that was added to building materials to increase strength, durability, chemical and heat resistance. Asbestos has been widely used in construction for the last 100 years. It is present in most structures built before the mid 1980s. Although it was taken out of many building materials in the 70s and 80s, it is still present in some new construction products. EAsbestos dust becomes airborne when building materials are disturbed during building alteration, renovation or demolition. Workers are at risk of breathing the dust and it can also be released into the environment, exposing the public. When inhaled, asbestos can cause asbestosis (scarring of the lungs), lung cancer and mesothelioma (a rare cancer in the tissues surrounding the lungs). Regardless of the age of a building, before any renovation or demolition project begins, building owners AND contractors are responsible for determining the presence of asbestos in the affected areas of the building (asbestos survey). California certifies asbestos consultants, and in most cases asbestos survey and testing must be done by a certified asbestos consultant. To find a Cal-OSHA-registered asbestos consultant, visit www.dir.ca.gov/DOSH/ACRU/ACRUhome.htm. The City of San Francisco also mandates the diversion of 65% of all C&D debris from landfills. The City’s Construction and Demolition Debris Recovery Ordinance requires that all mixed C&D debris must be transported off-site by a registered transporter and taken to a registered facility that can process mixed C&D debris and divert a minimum of 65% of the material from landfill. Debris transporters should never handle or transport ACCM. A contractor (or debris transporter) must have a special license from the Contractors State License Board to remove ACCM, and workers must have specialized training and personal protective equipment. Illegal transportation and disposal of ACCM wastes and other hazardous materials can result in severe civil and criminal penalties, including imprisonment. The building owner, contractor, waste transporter and landfill can all be held liable for improper transport and disposal fines. For expert consultation regarding asbestos in construction, you may contact the San Francisco Department of Public Health at 415-252-3951 or email David Rizzolo at david.rizzolo@sfdph.org. - Hardware Hotline May, 2008
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