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Asbestos removal continues: Over 69K notifications in 2022

(As National Asbestos Awareness Week is observed this week, MI Environment highlights EGLE's asbestos work.)

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's (EGLE) asbestos inspectors received over 69,000 asbestos demolition/renovation notifications and modifications to notifications in 2022, and more come in daily.

Asbestos statistics from 2022: 69,176 original and revised notifications received; 1,726 inspections; and 92 violation notices.

It's part of the department's responsibility to regulate Asbestos NESHAP subject demolition and renovation activities throughout the state. The Asbestos NESHAP regulation protects the public by minimizing the release of asbestos fibers during renovation and demolition activities. EGLE’s Air Quality Division employs seven inspectors and other staff in its asbestos program. The program was mandated to inspect 10% of about 17,000 initial notifications in 2022. 

EGLE is currently working on a new online notification system in MiEnviro Portal. Once launched later this year, the new system will allow EGLE to gather important information about asbestos removals and track the work being done.

Asbestos has been used in many products, such as insulation, floor tile, roofing materials, and siding. Although, most of these products are no longer made using asbestos, there is still a risk of exposure to asbestos during renovations and demolitions.

Asbestos in buildings being demolished or renovated is a real concern. Breathing asbestos fibers can cause a buildup of scar-like tissue in the lungs called asbestosis and result in loss of lung function that often progresses to disability and death. Asbestos also causes cancer of the lung and other diseases such as mesothelioma of the pleura which is a fatal malignant tumor of the membrane lining the cavity of the lung or stomach.

Find out more:

  • In this video, Joe Goeddeke, an asbestos inspector in EGLE's Detroit office, talks about why it's important to continue to be vigilant around demolition sites as well as the risks of asbestos exposure.
  • Visit EGLE's asbestos webpage to find out more information on protecting yourself when demolition and renovation activities are happening near you.
  • Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s asbestos website to learn more about asbestos and how to protect your family.