Homes and structures that are damaged or destroyed by a fire can result in toxic debris and ash that contains heavy metals, asbestos, and other hazardous materials. If inhaled, microscopic asbestos fibers pose a serious health threat because they can become permanently lodged in body tissues.
Asbestos in Debris
Disturbing debris from structures containing asbestos may expose individuals. Therefore, District strongly recommends that:
- An asbestos survey be conducted by a California state-licensed asbestos consultant before disturbing debris that is suspected to contain asbestos. See Determining if Asbestos is Present below for more information.
- Asbestos-containing debris be removed by a California state-licensed asbestos contractor. See If Asbestos is Present below for more information.
Determining if Asbestos is Present
If you suspect the damaged structure contained asbestos, a California state-licensed asbestos consultant should conduct a survey and take samples of the materials for laboratory analysis.
You can search for state-certified asbestos consultants through the California Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) California Asbestos Consultants and Certified Site Technicians database: www.dir.ca.gov/Databases/doshcaccsst/caccsst_Query_1.HTML
If Asbestos is Present
If asbestos-containing material is identified, a California state-licensed asbestos abatement contractor should remove it in a safe and legal manner.
You can search for state-certified asbestos consultants through the California Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) California Asbestos Consultants and Certified Site Technicians database: www.dir.ca.gov/Databases/doshcaccsst/caccsst_Query_1.HTML
District Requirements
The District does not have jurisdiction over the removal of asbestos. The EPA requires written notification and removal requirements for debris suspected to contain asbestos. A signed copy of the notification form must be submitted to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) at the address below.
US EPA Pacific Southwest, Region 9
75 Hawthorne St.
San Francisco, CA 94105
There is no fee associated with submitting an Asbestos Notification Form to U.S. EPA.
A copy of the notification may also be submitted to CARB. Please email the form to asbestos@arb.ca.gov.