1. How is asbestos regulated in Kentucky?
Most asbestos projects performed in Kentucky must be performed by contractors certified by the Kentucky Division for Air Quality (DAQ). DAQ regulations specify procedures for the safe removal and disposal of asbestos. In the Louisville area, the Air Pollution Control District of Jefferson County regulates asbestos.

2. Is it safe to handle asbestos?
There are different types of asbestos material. Each type requires a certain degree of special handling by a certified contractor. If you have questions about a particular type, you may contact the DAQ at 502-573-3382.

3. What type of training is required for people who perform asbestos projects in Kentucky?
Asbestos removal contractors must be certified by the DAQ. This certification involves special training by an approved training provider for the contractor's removal supervisors.  Also, persons who do any kind of asbestos work (surveys, project design, abatement work) in public, commercial or school buildings must be accredited by DAQ based on special training in their respective disciplines.

4. Does asbestos always have to be removed to eliminate danger?
No. Asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition pose no danger as long as they remain undisturbed. The asbestos also can be enclosed behind an airtight enclosure or it can be "encapsulated," which involves coating it with specially made materials to prevent fiber release. However, these measures do not provide the long-term solution that removal provides.

5. Where does the waste from a removal project go?
All asbestos-containing waste must be placed in a landfill that the Kentucky Division of Waste Management has approved for asbestos disposal.

For more information about the regulatory requirements for asbestos removal and disposal, call the number below.