Asbestos Survey

An asbestos survey is a systematic investigation to identify and assess asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building. In Finland, asbestos was widely used in construction from the 1920s through 1992, when its use was banned. Common locations include pipe insulation, floor tiles, adhesives, roofing felt, facade panels (asbestos cement), plaster compounds, and fire protection materials. A building constructed or renovated before 1994 may contain asbestos.

Finnish law requires an asbestos survey before any renovation or demolition work on buildings constructed before 1994. The survey must be conducted by a qualified asbestos professional who collects material samples for laboratory analysis. The purpose is to identify all ACMs that may be disturbed during the planned work, assess their condition, and determine the necessary precautions for safe handling or removal.

Intact, undisturbed asbestos materials generally pose no immediate health risk — the danger arises when the materials are broken, cut, drilled, sanded, or otherwise disturbed, releasing microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. Inhaled asbestos fibers can cause serious diseases including asbestosis (lung scarring), lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These diseases have a long latency period, typically 15 to 40 years, making prevention critically important.

If asbestos is identified, there are several management options depending on the material's condition and the planned work: encapsulation (sealing intact ACMs in place), enclosure (building over intact ACMs), or removal (by a licensed asbestos removal contractor using strict containment and personal protective equipment). All asbestos removal work in Finland must be performed by a licensed contractor and notified to the occupational safety authority. Never attempt to remove or disturb suspected asbestos materials yourself.