Asbestos Control Program

The RI Asbestos Control Program is located in the Department of Health's Healthy Homes and Environment Team, Indoor Air Quality Program.

The primary mission of the Asbestos Control Program is to protect the health of the Rhode Island public from exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. The Rhode Island Asbestos Act  (Title 23-24.5) is designed to protect both the general public that occupies buildings where asbestos containing materials are located, as well as the workers who perform asbestos abatement activities.

The Asbestos Control Program staff is responsible for implementing the provisions of the Rhode Island Rules and Regulations for Asbestos Control  (R23-24.5-ASB) which include:

• Requirements for identifying and abating asbestos hazards in schools and other regulated buildings. 
• The need to develop plans, which must be submitted to assure asbestos abatement activities are performed in a safe manner.
• Detailed specific work procedures which must be followed when performing asbestos abatement, 
• Specific procedures for certification and licensure of asbestos training courses, analytical labs, consultants and competent persons, abatement contractors, asbestos abatement contractors, site supervisors, and asbestos workers.