Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber. Until the 1970s, it was used in a number of different materials because of its unique properties such as fire resistance, high tensile strength, poor heat and electric conductivity, and being generally impervious to chemical attacks. Some examples of potential asbestos-containing materials include asphalt and vinyl floor tile, linoleum, flooring mastics, textured paints, acoustical plaster, ceiling tiles and panels, fireproofing materials, insulation, roofing shingles and felts, joint compounds, spackling compounds and brake pads. It may still be found in some products currently being manufactured. 

Asbestos fibers are very small and can easily be inhaled into the lungs where they can eventually lead to disease. Asbestos fibers may be released into the air by disturbing asbestos-containing material during product use, demolition work, building or home maintenance, repair and remodeling. In general, exposure may occur only when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged in some way to release particles and fibers into the air.

Asbestos Removal

There are several agencies that regulate asbestos because of its associated dangers. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for regulating asbestos demolition, renovation and abatement projects in Missouri. Asbestos abatement encompasses all steps, materials and precautions necessary to remove and clean up asbestos.

The department’s asbestos regulations apply to commercial structures in Missouri and to some residential structures. Most single-family residences are exempt. Please review the asbestos fact sheets provided below to help you determine if your structure is regulated. 

Department Notifications

The department requires notification of demolitions and abatement projects involving regulated structures at least 10 working days before crews begin a project. Send completed and signed notifications to asbestosnotifications@dnr.mo.gov.

Below are the notifications the department has received in the last 90 days. For a complete history of notifications, see our archives at data.mo.gov or click on the "Archives" button located within each of the three data sets.

• Demolition Notifications
• Abatement Notifications
• Courtesy Notifications

Asbestos Occupation Certifications

Before an individual can participate in an asbestos project, inspection, Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act management plan, abatement project design, or asbestos air sampling in Missouri, that individual must receive certification from the department. For more information, please review the department's Asbestos Occupation Certification webpage.