Agency: Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) — Air & Radiation Administration, Asbestos Licensing & Enforcement
Official program page
Single-family homes: friable vs non-friable
MDE’s homeowner FAQ says removal of non-friable ACM from a single-family residence may be done by a licensed asbestos contractor, a non-licensed contractor, or the homeowner — but if the ACM is or will be made friable (can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure), removal should be done by a licensed asbestos contractor. MDE advises wet methods and PPE such as a respirator and disposable clothing. Source: MDE FAQ for Homeowners (PDF).
Who can take samples
Per MDE, the homeowner can take a sample, or hire a consultant to survey and take samples to a laboratory for analysis. MDE links the NIST NVLAP lab directory and a list of consultants on its asbestos homepage. Source: MDE Homeowner FAQ; NIST accredited lab directory.
Contractor licensing
Asbestos abatement companies — those that remove, repair or contain asbestos — must hold a state-issued license, valid for one year and renewed annually. Licensing requires approved training, demonstrated knowledge of safe practices, and the Maryland third-party exam (COMAR 26.11.21). MDE’s Air & Radiation Administration also ensures worker training under COMAR 26.11.21 and 26.11.23. Sources: MDE Asbestos for Contractors, MDE Asbestos.
Notifications
MDE requires notice at least 10 working days in advance for work removing regulated asbestos-containing materials, and written notification 10 working days before demolition of a regulated facility even if no asbestos is present. Under COMAR 26.11.21.03, licensed entities doing other asbestos projects notify before beginning, and operations-and-maintenance projects do not require notification. Sources: MDE contractors page, COMAR 26.11.21.03.
When a house demolition needs notice
MDE’s homeowner FAQ says notification is required if the house was used for commercial purposes, contains more than four apartment units, the demolition includes two homes, or the home is being demolished for a commercial building or highway/road construction. Source: MDE Homeowner FAQ.
Roofing
If a contractor will cut, abrade, sand or grind 5,850 square feet or more of asbestos-containing roofing material, the work must be done by a licensed asbestos contractor. Source: MDE Homeowner FAQ.
Find a licensed contractor or consultant
MDE posts a list of licensed asbestos contractors and a list of asbestos consultant and industrial hygiene firms from its asbestos homepage and contractor page.
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Get Matched With a Licensed Tester — FreeMaryland asbestos testing FAQ
Can I remove asbestos tile from my own Maryland home?
MDE says non-friable ACM in a single-family residence may be removed by the homeowner, a non-licensed contractor, or a licensed contractor; if it is or will become friable, a licensed asbestos contractor should do it. Source: MDE Homeowner FAQ.
Can I take my own asbestos sample in Maryland?
MDE says the homeowner can take a sample or hire a consultant to survey and sample, and links NIST's accredited lab directory. Source: MDE Homeowner FAQ.
How much notice does MDE need?
At least 10 working days before work removing regulated ACM, and 10 working days before demolition of a regulated facility even with no asbestos. Source: MDE.
Every fact above is taken from official state, city/county, or EPA pages fetched for this site (last checked November 2026). If a detail could not be verified, it was left out.
Testing guides
Even where Maryland lets homeowners sample, a trained inspector and an accredited lab reduce the risk of disturbing material — see our bulk sampling guide.