Asbestos Hazard Control

The following are questions we are frequently asked about asbestos and mold. There is also a list of most common asbestos containing materials as well as helpful links to more information.

Please contact us for further questions and/or more information. We will be happy to address your issues!

FAQ’s About Asbestos

Q: How much is an estimate?

A: There is no charge for a written estimate.

Q: How soon can someone come out?

A: We can typically visit your home or business within 24–48 hours of an estimate request. In some cases, we may be able to offer same day service.

Q: How soon can we get a Written estimate?

A: Within 48 hours of the site visit.

Q: What is a typical cost for removal?

A: The cost for removal of asbestos materials depends on a number of factors, such as:

  • The type of material to be removed, e.g., flooring, pipe insulation, duct wrap, etc.
  • The amount of material to be removed
  • The location/accessibility of the material
  • The location of your home or business
Q: Is there a way I can tell if it’s asbestos without testing?

A: The only way to determine if a material contains asbestos is through proper testing, by an Ohio Department of Health licensed Asbestos Evaluation specialist and laboratory analysis at an accredited laboratory.

Q: Where could there be asbestos in my home?

A: Use of asbestos containing materials has greatly diminished since the early 1980’s. Prior to this, asbestos was used in a wide variety of products, including common household and building materials, such as appliances, floor tiles, ceilings, wall and pipe coverings, window putty, and roofing and siding shingles. (Further listing at the bottom of this page.) You may also see a diagram of common areas of a house where asbestos may be found by visiting http://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/images/asbestos-in-the-home.php

Q: What areas of Ohio does AHC, Inc. service?

A: AHC, Inc. is located in Columbus. Our standard service area covers Franklin and surrounding Counties. While we do the majority of our work in the service area described above, we have completed larger projects in throughout Ohio.

FAQ’ About Mold

Q: Is mold remediation regulated in Ohio?

A: No not at this time.

Q: I see obvious mold growth on my walls, ceiling, etc. Should I get it tested?

A: If obvious mold growth is present on building materials, it is often unnecessary to perform testing. While there has been a significant amount of media coverage of "toxic mold" and "black mold," experts agree that any type of mold growth on building materials inside a home or building is not healthful. Mold-contaminated materials should be carefully removed by properly trained mold abatement workers.

Q: Does AHC,Inc. do mold testing?

A: No, The most practical way to find a mold problem is by using your eyes to look for mold growth and by using your nose to locate the source of a suspicious odor. If you see mold or if there is an earthy or musty smell, you should assume a mold problem exists. Finding the source of the moisture problem, and correcting it is a must prior to performing mold remediation. Sometimes, mold growth is hidden and difficult to locate. In such cases, carefully conducted sampling by an environmental inspection company may help determine the location of contamination.

Q: Is it a good idea to test my indoor air for mold?

A: Airborne mold testing is often unnecessary and of limited value. Mold is present in both indoor and outdoor air at all times. Therefore, airborne mold testing conducted inside a home or building will always identify a certain concentration of mold spores.


Asbestos Containing Materials

Note: The following list does not include every product/material that may contain asbestos. It is intended as a general guide to show which types of materials may contain asbestos.

Sample List of Suspect Asbestos - Containing Materials

Cement Pipes Elevator Brake Shoes
Cement Wallboard HVAC Duct Insulation
Cement Siding Boiler Insulation
Asphalt Floor Tile Breaching Insulation
Vinyl Floor Tile Ductwork Flexible Fabric Connections
Vinyl Sheet Flooring Cooling Towers
Flooring Backing Pipe Insulation (corrugated air-cell, block, etc.)
Construction Mastics (floor tile, carpet, ceiling tile, etc.) Heating and electrical Ducts
Acoustical Plaster Electrical Panel Partitions
Decorative Plaster Electrical Cloth
Textured Paints/Coatings Electric Wiring Insulation
Ceiling Tiles and Lay-in Panels Chalkboards
Spray-Applied Insulation Roofing Shingles
Blown-in Insulation Roofing Felt
Fireproofing Materials Base Flashing
Taping Compounds (thermal) Thermal Paper Products
Packing Materials (for wall/floor penetrations) Fire Doors
High Temperature Gaskets Caulking/Putties
Laboratory Hoods/Table Tops Adhesives
Laboratory Gloves Wallboard
Fire Blankets Joint Compounds
Fire Curtains Vinyl Wall Coverings
Elevator Equipment Panels Spackling Compounds

Additional Links

Ohio EPA, http://www.epa.state.oh.us/

Ohio Department of Health, http://www.odh.ohio.gov/odhPrograms/dspc/asbes1/asbestos1.aspx and http://www.odh.ohio.gov/odhprograms/cfhs/healthyhomes/Mold.aspx