We purchased a hundred year old home and need to do remodeling. Are there any regulations and laws protecting us from asbestos?

Asbestos has been widely used in commercial and residential construction because of its strength and because it is resistant to heat and chemical reactions.  However asbestos is also very hazardous because its fibers can be inhaled and cause damage to the lungs and respiratory system including asbestosis and cancer.  Today, exposure to asbestos is heavily regulated.  Much of the regulatory effort has gone toward mandating the use of manufacturing techniques that encapsulate or ‘fix’ asbestos in a manufactured product thereby reducing or eliminating the risk posed by inhaling fibers.  However, many older homes and commercial building still have original materials that contain asbestos products that are easily crumbled or reduced to a powder.  This is called ‘friable’ asbestos. 

Owners of older homes should remain aware of the risks of friable asbestos in the home and use appropriate safeguards when remodeling or handling older building materials that may contain asbestos.  Indeed, many state and local governments have passed laws that require owners of older buildings to perform asbestos surveys and make that information available to contractors before work can begin.  Some states have created presumptions that certain building materials contain asbestos and must be handled in certain ways.  As with all laws, there are consequences, financial and even criminal penalties, for non-compliance. You should certainly consult an attorney experienced in asbestos regulation to help you navigate the standards, rules and regulations that apply in your state and local jurisdictions.