Explanation of "Trace" Materials:

On occasion, the laboratory reports a "trace" of asbestos. The term "trace" simply means that one or more asbestos fibers were detected, generally greater than 0.1% but in concentrations less than 1%.

By all relevant federal standards (EPA, NESHAPS, AHERA, Federal OSHA), the definition of asbestos includes qualifying phrases such as, "manufactured materials containing greater than 1% asbestos by weight". "Trace" material would not be considered asbestos under these standards.

Cal-OSHA, has accepted the new federal definition of asbestos, however has held that materials greater than 1/10th of 1% (0.1%) still require special consideration. This means that if you plan on having a contractor perform work on this material, that contractor would be required to be registered with Cal-OSHA, and maintain appropriate asbestos abatement licensing even though the Cal-OSHA mandated procedures for Class I, II, III or IV abatement work are not required.