SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1996
STP16567S

Investigating the Presence of Hazardous Materials in Buildings

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Environmental hazards in buildings can be found in the air, on exposed surfaces, or hidden in roofs, walls, and systems. They can exist in buildings in solid, liquid, and gaseous states. A sound methodology for investigating the presence of environmental hazards in buildings should include several components. The first step in planning an investigation of environmental hazards in buildings is to ascertain why the investigation is to be performed. Research should be performed to review available documentation on the building. Next, a visual inspection of the building should be performed to identify and document^ existing conditions, and all suspect materials containing environmental hazards. Lastly, samples of suspect materials should be collected for testing. It is important to sample appropriate materials, based on the information obtained during the previous steps of the investigation. It is also important to collect the samples using standard procedures.

Author Information

Gustitus, DA
The Gustitus Group, Architecture/Consulting, Chicago, Illinois
Blaisdell, PM
Kendall, Taylor & Company, Inc., Architects/Environmental Consultants, Billerica, MA
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Details
Developed by Committee: D34
Pages: 111–124
DOI: 10.1520/STP16567S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5336-3
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-2043-3