Asbestos is a mineral found in nature that was previously used to make many different types of building materials because of its high tensile strength and thermal insulating properties. However, asbestos is now known to present a serious health hazard when materials containing asbestos are disturbed or destroyed. Microscopic airborne asbestos fibers can be inhaled and trapped in the lungs, which has been shown to cause various respiratory diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest cavity lining.
Many states, including New Hampshire, have enacted environmental regulations to control the manner in which asbestos is handled during renovation and demolition projects. These regulations ensure that asbestos is safely removed without endangering the health of anyone who may come into contact with asbestos fibers. Read on to learn more about New Hampshire asbestos regulations.
Summary of New Hampshire Asbestos Regulations
The chart below lays out important aspects of New Hampshire's asbestos regulations.
Statutes |
RSA 141-E and Chapter Env-A 1800 New Hampshire Asbestos Management and Control Rules |
Asbestos Regulatory Agencies |
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) |
Asbestos Removal Regulations |
Residential Homeowners Homeowners in single family, owner-occupied homes may conduct asbestos-removal activities themselves provided they do not intend to sell their homes within 6 months of the removal. Homeowners are required to package and dispose of asbestos-containing waste properly. Although not legally required to do so, NHDES strongly encourages homeowners to use a licensed asbestos abatement contractor for removal projects. Inspection Requirements Larger building owners and contractors are held to stricter standards. In those situations, a thorough inspection is required to search for asbestos-containing materials prior to any demolition or renovation projects. Any inspection must be conducted by a person accredited in the identification of asbestos-containing materials. Notification Requirements Each facility owner must provide written notification to NHDES and the local health officer at least 10 working days before any building demolition activity commences. Such notification is required for all demolition projects, regardless of the amount of asbestos present (or even where none is present). For renovation projects, 10 day notification is also required if there is more than 10 linear feet or 25 square feet of asbestos material. A fee may be assessed depending on the amount of asbestos-containing material to be removed. If there is less asbestos material than that, or no asbestos-containing material will be disturbed during the renovation, no official notification is required. |
Note: State regulations are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Related New Hampshire Resources
Have Specific Questions About New Hampshire Asbestos Regulations? Ask a Lawyer
If you're concerned about exposure to asbestos, or you're suffering from a lung disease caused by asbestos, it's a good idea to seek legal help. Remeber that there are time limits to filing an asbestos-related claim. So, contact an experienced personal injury attorney in New Hamphire today.
