Asbestos

Updated: 2/10/99

By: Lawrence Gibbs, CIH Asbestos is a common name for a group of naturally occurring mineral fibers. Due to its strength, durability and insultating qualities, asbestos has been incorporated into a wide variety of construction products. Although most types of these materials were banned by the mid 1970s, asbestos can still be used in products that contain a binding agent such as vinyl floor tile, roofing material and cement pipe. Asbestos is a hazzard only when small articles become airborne, are inhaled and deposited within the lungs. Increased incidence of several illnesses including asbestosis, a debilitating lung disease, lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung cavity lining, have been observed in asbestos industry workers who were exposed to high levels of airborne asbestos over extended periods of time. Asbestos-containing materials in buildings pose no risk to health unless asbestos fibers from those materials become airborne and are inhaled. Intact, seals and undisturbed materials are not a hazzard. Asbestos Surveys/Sampling Asbestos-containing materials have been identified in many buildings. In some areas, asbestos has been identified in one or more of the following construction products: fireproofing that has been spray-applied to structural steel or concrete; pipe, boiler, tank and air duct thermal insulation; roofing felt and mastic; cement-type flue, conduit, pipe and siding; wall and ceiling textured or acoustical surfacing plaster; vinyl floor tile and linoleium; flooring, wall basecover and ceiling tile adhesive; caulking and glazing compound; acoustic ceilings and wall tile; fume hood lining, exhuast ducts and counter tops; and fire-rated doors. Safe Handling of Asbestos-Containing Material If asbestos-containing products are not damaged or disturbed, asbestos particles will not be released into the air. Primary barriers may exist which further prevent asbestos particles from reaching the workplace; these include walls and ceilings that separate asbestos from public areas and jackets which completely encapsulate pipe and tank insultation materials. If these materials are disturbed through demolition, building repair or abatement, specific procedures to prevent exposure to asbestos must be followed by personnel doing the work. Do not remove, cut, drill, sand, grind, or otherwise abrade any construction material that may contain asbestos. Do not go above ceilings or behind walls unless the areas has been inspected by a qualified individual. Immediately report any observed damage or deterioration of suspect asbestos-containing materials. Please send E-mail to: joyful@best.com if you have any questions.