Illinois Asbestos Laws

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Illinois asbestos laws exist to regulate the structural and environmental exposure. Such laws are in place to protect people and their environment, through the proper executions of construction, renovations, demolition, or existing structures--i.e., buildings, homes, garages etc.

The Illinois Asbestos Unit

The Illinois Asbestos Unit operates through strict rules and regulations to protect people from asbestos exposure. Like many asbestos laws and regulations, the Illinois Asbestos Unit strictly enforces the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP).

Asbestos is also regulated under the Illinois Environmental Protection Act, in several instances. The Illinois EPA works to make sure that all laws pertaining to the safe removal of harmful asbestos materials are followed. Such regulations are in place to ensure that people are protected under environmental laws in the privacy of their homes, public areas, office buildings and healthcare facilities, just to name a few.

According to the General Assembly of Illinois, several traces of asbestos materials were used to create roofing, fireproofing, soundproofing, etc., from 1946 to 1972. Such fibers were emitted into the air and over a long period of time, were linked to causing health ailments and diseases to those exposed to the asbestos fibers. Concrete scientific data supports this link and has resulted in the creation of the Asbestos Abatement Act. The purpose of this act is to identify, contain and remove asbestos materials, as they may cause significant respiratory and other health problems.