Regulated Building Materials

Hidden in plain sight.

Nothing halts progress on a project like the discovery of regulated building materials (RBMs) such as asbestos or lead-based paint. While not always apparent, these hazardous compounds are often found in building materials. LaBella’s RBM team has seen it all and we know what to look for based on the age and history of the structure or unusual conditions – sometimes it’s just a gut feeling.

Once a hot zone is identified, LaBella acts based on the client’s perspective. We strategically sample and test so each area is covered but not overly tested. We move quickly when an unexpected result threatens a project’s timeline. We develop abatement designs with the focus on saving money and time, as well as getting the job done. We are knowledgeable on federal and state regulations needed to prepare site-specific variance applications, and often work directly with the governing agencies. And we compile user-friendly reports with all the data, analyses, and work summarized upfront.

Talk to a LaBella Expert

Jarrod Miner
RBM Program Manager
Rochester, NY

(585) 295‐6241

Derek Banach
Western NY RBM Manager
Buffalo, NY

(716) 710-3056 x7139

Cameron Heller
Eastern NY RBM Manager
Ballston Spa, NY

(518) 885-5383 x 240

Brian Poplarchick
Pennsylvania RBM Manager
Scranton, PA

(570) 904-6196

Types of Regulated Building Materials

Asbestos

With thousands of applications, asbestos can be found almost anywhere, but is most commonly found in flooring, wall and ceiling systems, pipe insulation, window components, and roofing systems.

Mold

Possible locations of hidden mold include pipe chases and utility tunnels (with leaking or condensing pipes), walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), liners inside ductwork, and materials located above ceiling systems (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Lead-Based Paint

Lead-based paint may be a hazard when found on surfaces that children can chew or that get a lot of wear-and-tear, such as windows, window sills, doors, door frames, stairs, railings, banisters, and porches.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

PCBs can be found in many sources but in commercial properties it is most commonly found in old fluorescent light ballasts; caulk, grout, and joint material (e.g., putty, silicon, and bitumen); insulation materials (e.g., fiberglass, felt, foam, and cork); adhesives; and tapes.

Mercury

Mercury can be found in lights (particularly gymnasium and fluorescent lights); thermostats; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; plumbing systems; cafeteria equipment; medical devices; regulators; gauges; and science room equipment.

Our Capabilities

Don’t let the presence of regulated building materials impede the renovation or redevelopment of your building or structure. For decades, LaBella’s RBM team has been trusted to identify and mitigate RBM concerns, giving owners the opportunity for new finishes, new spaces, or new structures.

Our range of RBM services includes:

  • Hazardous Materials (Asbestos, Lead, Mercury, Radon, PCB) Inspection
  • Testing Services
  • Abatement Design
  • Variance Development & Applications
  • Project & Air Monitoring
  • Indoor Air Quality Studies
  • Lead Remediation Clearance Testing
  • Mold Contamination Assessment & Remediation Design

Our in-house asbestos laboratory provides rapid, accurate, and cost-effective analysis of asbestos in air and bulk samples.

Our laboratory has maintained New York State accreditation (ELAP #11184) since 1991, and uses the best methods to ensure accurate, high-quality results.

Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) is used to analyze routine air samples. Sample filter cassettes are examined, and a representative slice of the filter media is mounted and examined under high-contrast, high-power magnification. The NIOSH 7400 method is used to count fibers and generate the fiber concentration result.

Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) is used for the analysis of friable and non-friable bulk samples. Sample materials are carefully examined and manipulated under a low magnification microscope. Representative materials and suspect fiber bundles are teased out and placed on a slide for high-power examination. Morphology and refractive index characteristics are observed and recorded. After prescribed quality control procedures are applied, the analytical result is reported.

LaBella’s experienced staff’s considerable analytical capacity ensures that air and bulk sample analysis is typically completed in under 48 hours. An in-house laboratory allows us to provide our clients with the flexibility of immediate and rush analysis when required, while maintaining cost control.

Meet the Experts
Having an in-house asbestos laboratory enables my team to get very quick results, at times within hours. The client can then make decisions and prevent, or at least limit, project delays.Jarrod Miner
RBM Program Manager
We take Project / Air Monitoring very seriously. There are no shortcuts, there’s no skipping steps. Everything is logged, every procedure followed.Shawn Rucker
Project / Air Monitor
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