Industry Inquiries and Responses

Asbestos

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is made of tiny fibers from natural rock that you can't see without a microscope. Construction companies used it in old buildings for insulation, floor tiles, and roofing because it doesn't burn and lasts a long time. The problem is these fibers get in your lungs when you breathe them, and they stay there forever. Once they're in your body, they cause deadly lung diseases and cancer that might not show up for 20 to 40 years.

Why is asbestos dangerous?

Asbestos kills construction workers more than any other workplace hazard because it causes four main diseases that have no cure. Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that attacks the lining around your lungs and usually kills people within two years. Lung cancer from asbestos is much worse if you smoke cigarettes, and it spreads fast through your body. Asbestosis scars your lungs so badly that you can't breathe properly, and you'll need oxygen tanks to survive. Asbestos also causes throat, stomach, and colon cancers that are hard to treat and often fatal.

Where do I find asbestos in buildings?

You'll find asbestos in almost every building constructed before 1980, especially in areas where workers needed fire protection or insulation. Look for it around pipe insulation, boiler wrapping, and attic insulation that looks like gray or white fluffy material. Floor tiles from the 1960s and 1970s often contain asbestos, along with the black mastic glue underneath them. Roof shingles, siding materials, and textured paint on walls and ceilings frequently have asbestos fibers mixed in. Joint compound around pipes and ductwork is another common hiding spot that releases dangerous fibers when you cut or sand it.

When should I test for asbestos?

Test for asbestos before starting any demolition, renovation, or repair work on buildings constructed before 1980, because disturbing asbestos without knowing it's there can kill you and your crew. Call for testing immediately if you see damaged, crumbling, or peeling materials that might contain asbestos fibers. Smart contractors always test suspicious insulation, tiles, or paint before bidding jobs because asbestos removal costs thousands of dollars and requires special licenses. Getting materials tested by a certified lab costs around $50-$100 per sample, but it can save your life and prevent huge fines from OSHA.

How do I handle asbestos safely?

Never try to remove asbestos yourself because it requires special training, equipment, and licenses that cost thousands of dollars to obtain legally. Stop all work immediately if you discover or suspect asbestos, and don't let anyone disturb the material until certified professionals can test and remove it safely. Contact a licensed asbestos abatement contractor who has the proper equipment like HEPA vacuums, negative air machines, and disposal permits. Touching, cutting, drilling, or sanding asbestos materials releases millions of deadly fibers into the air that can kill everyone on the job site. Only certified professionals with proper protective equipment and disposal methods should handle asbestos removal to protect workers and avoid massive OSHA fines.

Mold

What is mold?

Mold is a fungus that grows anywhere there's moisture and spreads through tiny spores that float through the air like invisible dust. Outside, mold helps break down dead leaves and wood, but inside buildings, it damages your health and destroys construction materials. When mold spores land on wet surfaces like drywall, wood, or carpet, they start growing within 24 to 48 hours and spread rapidly throughout the building. Construction workers get exposed to mold every day on job sites with water damage, leaky roofs, or poor ventilation that creates the perfect conditions for dangerous mold growth.

Why is mold bad for me?

Mold makes construction workers sick by causing breathing problems, allergic reactions, and asthma attacks that can send you to the hospital. When you breathe mold spores, they irritate your lungs, throat, and eyes, causing coughing, sneezing, and skin rashes that get worse the longer you're exposed. Workers with asthma or allergies suffer the most because mold triggers severe attacks that make it impossible to work safely on job sites. Mold also damages buildings by rotting wood framing, staining surfaces permanently, and creating musty odors that lower property values and cost thousands in repairs.

Where does mold grow?

Mold grows in any area with moisture problems, starting in bathrooms around tubs, showers, and toilets where humidity stays high all day. Basements and crawl spaces are prime locations because they're dark, damp, and have poor air circulation that traps moisture from ground seepage. You'll find mold in kitchens near sinks, dishwashers, and refrigerators where small leaks create perfect growing conditions on walls and under flooring. Construction sites with water damage from storms, burst pipes, or roof leaks develop mold problems within days if not dried properly with industrial fans and dehumidifiers.

When should I worry about mold?

Take action immediately when you see fuzzy growth, dark stains, or discoloration on walls, ceilings, or building materials because mold spreads fast once it starts growing. Trust your nose because musty, earthy odors usually mean hidden mold growing behind walls, under floors, or in air ducts where you can't see it. Address water damage within 24 to 48 hours because that's how long it takes for mold spores to start growing and creating health hazards for your crew. Check humidity levels with a simple meter, and if they're over 60 percent, you need ventilation or dehumidifiers to prevent mold growth that damages materials and makes workers sick.

How do I prevent mold growth?

Stop mold before it starts by fixing water leaks immediately and keeping humidity below 60 percent using exhaust fans, dehumidifiers, and proper ventilation systems. Clean up any water damage within 24 hours using industrial fans and dehumidifiers because mold needs moisture to grow and spread throughout buildings. Install exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove humid air before it condenses on surfaces and creates mold-friendly conditions. Use moisture meters to check building materials during construction and remediation work, because catching moisture problems early prevents expensive mold remediation that can shut down job sites for weeks.

How do I clean up small mold problems?

Clean small mold areas under 10 square feet yourself by wearing an N95 mask, rubber gloves, and safety glasses to protect yourself from breathing dangerous spores. Scrub moldy surfaces with soap and water or commercial mold cleaners, then throw away any porous materials like drywall, insulation, or carpet that can't be completely cleaned. Make sure everything dries completely using fans and dehumidifiers because leftover moisture will cause the mold to come back stronger than before. For larger mold problems or if workers have health issues, hire certified mold remediation professionals who have the proper equipment and training to remove dangerous mold safely. Over 10 Square Feet use a half mask with P100 filters with chemical cartridges.

Lead

What is lead?

Lead is a heavy metal that construction companies used in paint, pipes, and building materials for decades because it made products last longer and resist damage. Houses and buildings constructed before 1978 contain lead paint that becomes dangerous when it chips, peels, or gets disturbed during renovation work. Lead is poisonous to humans in any amount, and it builds up in your body over time, causing permanent damage to your brain, kidneys, and other organs. Construction workers face the highest risk of lead poisoning because they regularly work on older buildings where lead dust gets stirred up during demolition and renovation projects.

Why is lead poisonous?

Lead damages your brain and nervous system permanently, causing memory problems, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating that affect your ability to work safely on construction sites. Workers exposed to lead suffer from high blood pressure, kidney damage, and fertility problems that can ruin your health and family life. Lead poisoning causes stomach pain, headaches, and fatigue that make it hard to perform physical construction work safely and effectively. Children of construction workers are especially vulnerable because they can get lead poisoning from dust on work clothes, tools, and vehicles that parents bring home from job sites.

Where do I find lead?

Lead paint covers the walls, doors, windows, and trim in most houses built before 1978, and it becomes dangerous when you sand, scrape, or demolish these surfaces during renovation work. Old water pipes and plumbing fixtures contain lead that gets into drinking water, especially in buildings constructed before 1986 when lead solder was commonly used in plumbing systems. Soil around older buildings often contains high levels of lead from years of paint chips and dust settling into the ground where construction workers dig foundations and trenches. Some imported tools, jewelry, and pottery still contain lead, so check labels and buy American-made products when possible to avoid accidental exposure.

When should I test for lead?

Test for lead before starting any renovation, repair, or demolition work on houses built before 1978 because federal law requires it and OSHA fines contractors who don't follow lead-safe work practices. Get your blood tested for lead every year if you work on older buildings because lead poisoning happens gradually and you won't notice symptoms until permanent damage occurs. Test painted surfaces with EPA-approved lead test kits that cost around $10 and give results in minutes, helping you plan safe work procedures and avoid dangerous lead dust exposure. Smart contractors test for lead during job estimates because lead-safe work practices cost more money and time, but they prevent expensive OSHA fines and worker health problems.

How does lead get in my body?

Lead gets in your body when you breathe dust created by sanding, cutting, or demolishing lead-painted surfaces during construction and renovation work. Eating food with your hands after touching lead-contaminated surfaces puts lead directly into your mouth and stomach where it gets absorbed into your bloodstream. Drinking water from lead pipes or fixtures adds small amounts of lead to your body every day, and these small amounts build up over time and cause serious health problems. Construction workers accidentally bring lead dust home on their clothes, boots, and tools, exposing their families to dangerous lead levels that can permanently damage children's developing brains.

How do I work safely around lead?

Take EPA-certified training for lead-safe work practices before disturbing any painted surfaces in buildings constructed before 1978 because this training teaches you how to protect yourself and avoid massive OSHA fines. Use plastic sheeting and HEPA vacuums to contain lead dust, and never use regular shop vacuums because they blow lead particles into the air where you and your crew can breathe them. Wear proper protective equipment including respirators, disposable coveralls, and gloves, then wash your hands and face thoroughly before eating, drinking, or going home to your family. Never dry sand, use heat guns, or create lead dust without proper containment because these methods release millions of lead particles that cause immediate health hazards and OSHA violations.

OSHA

What is OSHA?

OSHA is the federal government agency that creates and enforces workplace safety rules to protect construction workers from getting injured or killed on job sites. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has the legal power to inspect construction sites, write citations for safety violations, and fine companies that don't follow safety regulations. OSHA inspectors can shut down dangerous job sites immediately and force contractors to fix safety problems before work can continue. Every construction worker has legal rights under OSHA to work in safe conditions without fear of getting fired for reporting dangerous situations to supervisors or government inspectors.

How does OSHA help construction workers?

OSHA gives construction workers the legal right to refuse dangerous work that could cause serious injury or death, and employers can't fire or punish workers for exercising these safety rights. Workers have the right to get safety training about hazardous chemicals, equipment, and work procedures that they encounter on construction sites every day. OSHA requires employers to provide safety equipment like hard hats, safety glasses, and fall protection gear at no cost to workers who need them to stay safe. Construction workers can file anonymous complaints with OSHA about unsafe working conditions without their employers knowing who reported the safety violations.

When should I call OSHA?

Call OSHA immediately when you see serious safety hazards that could kill or seriously injure workers, such as unsafe scaffolding, electrical hazards, or missing fall protection on high work areas. Contact OSHA if your supervisor or company refuses to fix known safety problems after you've reported them through normal channels and the dangerous conditions continue. Report any work-related injuries that happened because of unsafe working conditions, inadequate safety equipment, or violations of OSHA safety standards that your employer should have prevented. File an OSHA complaint if your boss threatens, fires, or punishes you for reporting safety problems or refusing to do dangerous work that violates safety regulations.

What happens during an OSHA inspection?

OSHA inspectors arrive at job sites without warning and have the legal authority to enter and inspect any construction site during normal working hours. Inspectors check for violations of safety standards by examining equipment, talking to workers privately about safety concerns, and reviewing company safety records and training documentation. Workers can talk to OSHA inspectors confidentially about safety problems without supervisors listening, and inspectors take photos and measurements of dangerous conditions they discover. After the inspection, OSHA issues citations and fines for safety violations, and companies must fix all problems within specific deadlines or face additional penalties and possible criminal charges.

Can my boss fire me for calling OSHA?

Federal law makes it illegal for employers to fire, demote, cut pay, or punish workers in any way for reporting safety problems to OSHA or refusing to do dangerous work. Workers who get fired or punished for exercising their OSHA rights can file retaliation complaints and get their jobs back with full pay for time lost. OSHA investigates retaliation complaints quickly and can force employers to rehire workers, pay back wages, and compensate for damages caused by illegal punishment. Smart employers know that retaliating against workers for safety complaints brings even bigger OSHA fines and creates legal problems that cost much more than fixing safety violations in the first place.

How does OSHA help construction companies?

OSHA provides free consultation services to help construction companies identify safety problems and develop effective safety programs without getting cited or fined for violations. Companies with good safety records get lower workers' compensation insurance rates because fewer injuries mean lower costs for insurance companies. Following OSHA safety standards reduces the chance of expensive lawsuits from injured workers and helps companies avoid criminal charges when serious accidents happen on job sites. Construction companies with strong safety programs attract better workers and win more contracts because customers prefer contractors who protect their employees and finish projects without delays from accidents.

Emergency Phone Numbers

OSHA Hotline: 1-800-321-OSHA (6742)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
EPA Asbestos Help: 1-202-554-1404
Emergency Services: 911

Basic Safety Rules for Construction Workers

Stop work when unsure about safety - Get expert help instead of guessing about dangerous materials or unsafe conditions that could kill you or your coworkers.
Prevention costs less than accidents - Spending money on safety equipment and training prevents expensive medical bills, lawsuits, and OSHA fines that can put companies out of business.
Get proper training before handling hazardous materials - Learn about asbestos, lead, mold, and chemical dangers before working with them to protect your health and avoid legal problems.
Keep safety records and certificates - Save all training certificates, testing results, and safety documentation because OSHA inspectors will ask for them during site visits.
Follow all safety rules and regulations - Obey OSHA standards, company policies, and manufacturer instructions to protect yourself and avoid citations that can shut down job sites.

Always get professional help with dangerous materials like asbestos, lead, and mold to protect your health and keep your construction projects legal and profitable.