|
What Is Asbestos?
Get an
asbestos testing kit
Asbestos is a mineral
fiber. It can be positively identified only with a special type of
microscope. There are several types of asbestos fibers. In the past,
asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to
provide heat insulation and fire resistance.
How Can Asbestos Affect My Health?
From studies of people
who were exposed to asbestos in factories and shipyards, we know that
breathing high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of:
The risk of lung cancer
and mesothelioma increases with the number of fibers inhaled. The risk of
lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibers is also greater if you smoke.
People who get asbestosis have usually been exposed to high levels of
asbestos for a long time. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually
appear until about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.
Most people exposed to
small amounts of asbestos, as we all are in our daily lives, do not
develop these health problems. However, if disturbed, asbestos material
may release asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled into the lungs. The
fibers can remain there for a long time, increasing the risk of disease.
Asbestos material that would crumble easily if handled, or that has been
sawed, scraped, or sanded into a powder, is more likely to create a health
hazard.
Where Can I Find Asbestos And When Can
It Be A Problem?
Most products made
today do not contain asbestos. Those few products made which still contain
asbestos that could be inhaled are required to be labeled as such.
However, until the 1970s, many types of building products and insulation
materials used in homes contained asbestos. Common products that might
have contained asbestos in the past, and conditions which may release
fibers, include:
-
STEAM PIPES, BOILERS, and
FURNACE DUCTS insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper
tape. These materials may release asbestos fibers if damaged,
repaired, or removed improperly.
-
RESILIENT FLOOR TILES
(vinyl asbestos, asphalt, and rubber), the backing on VINYL SHEET
FLOORING, and ADHESIVES used for installing floor tile. Sanding tiles
can release fibers. So may scraping or sanding the backing of sheet
flooring during removal.
-
CEMENT SHEET, MILLBOARD,
and PAPER used as insulation around furnaces and woodburning stoves.
Repairing or removing appliances may release asbestos fibers. So may
cutting, tearing, sanding, drilling, or sawing insulation.
-
DOOR GASKETS in furnaces,
wood stoves, and coal stoves. Worn seals can release asbestos fibers
during use.
-
SOUNDPROOFING OR
DECORATIVE MATERIAL sprayed on walls and ceilings. Loose, crumbly, or
water-damaged material may release fibers. So will sanding, drilling,
or scraping the material.
-
PATCHING AND JOINT
COMPOUNDS for walls and ceilings, and TEXTURED PAINTS. Sanding,
scraping, or drilling these surfaces may release asbestos.
-
ASBESTOS CEMENT ROOFING,
SHINGLES, and SIDING. These products are not likely to release
asbestos fibers unless sawed, dilled, or cut.
-
ARTIFICIAL ASHES AND
EMBERS sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces. Also, other older
household products such as FIREPROOF GLOVES, STOVE-TOP PADS, IRONING
BOARD COVERS, and certain HAIRDRYERS.
-
AUTOMOBILE BRAKE PADS AND
LININGS, CLUTCH FACINGS, and GASKETS.
Info
about asbestos testing kits
Where Asbestos
Hazards May Be Found In The Home
Some roofing and siding
shingles are made of asbestos cement.
Houses built between 1930 and
1950 may have asbestos as insulation.
Asbestos may be present in
textured paint and in patching compounds used on wall and
ceiling joints. Their use was banned in 1977.
Artificial ashes and embers
sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces may contain asbestos.
-
Older products
such as stove-top pads may have some asbestos compounds.
-
Walls and floors
around woodburning stoves may be protected with asbestos
paper, millboard, or cement sheets.
-
Asbestos is found
in some vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet
flooring and adhesives.
-
Hot water and
steam pipes in older houses may be coated with an asbestos
material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape.
-
Oil and coal
furnaces and door gaskets may have asbestos insulation
What Should Be
Done About Asbestos In The Home?
If you think
asbestos may be in your home, don't panic! Usually the best thing
is to LEAVE asbestos material that is in good condition ALONE.
Generally,
material in good condition will not release asbestos fibers. THERE
IS NO DANGER unless fibers are released and inhaled into the
lungs.
Check material
regularly if you suspect it may contain asbestos. Don't touch it,
but look for signs of wear or damage such as tears, abrasions, or
water damage. Damaged material may release asbestos fibers. This
is particularly true if you often disturb it by hitting, rubbing,
or handling it, or if it is exposed to extreme vibration or air
flow.
Sometimes, the
best way to deal with slightly damaged material is to limit access
to the area and not touch or disturb it. Discard damaged or worn
asbestos gloves, stove-top pads, or ironing board covers. Check
with local health, environmental, or other appropriate officials
to find out proper handling and disposal procedures.
If asbestos
material is more than slightly damaged, or if you are going to
make changes in your home that might disturb it, repair or removal
by a professional is needed. Before you have your house remodeled,
find out whether asbestos materials are present.
|
Get
an
asbestos testing kit
|
How To Identify Materials That
Contain Asbestos
You can't
tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at
it, unless it is labeled. If in doubt, treat the material as if
it contains asbestos or have it sampled and analyzed by a
qualified professional. A professional should take samples for
analysis, since a professional knows what to look for, and
because there may be an increased health risk if fibers are
released. In fact, if done incorrectly, sampling can be more
hazardous than leaving the material alone. Taking samples
yourself is not recommended. If you nevertheless choose to take
the samples yourself, take care not to release asbestos fibers
into the air or onto yourself. Material that is in good
condition and will not be disturbed (by remodeling, for example)
should be left alone. Only material that is damaged or will be
disturbed should be sampled. Anyone who samples
asbestos-containing materials should have as much information as
possible on the handling of asbestos before sampling, and at a
minimum, should observe the following procedures:
-
Make sure no
one else is in the room when sampling is done.
-
Wear disposable
gloves or wash hands after sampling.
-
Shut down any
heating or cooling systems to minimize the spread of any
released fibers.
-
Do not disturb
the material any more than is needed to take a small sample.
-
Place a plastic
sheet on the floor below the area to be sampled.
-
Wet the
material using a fine mist of water containing a few drops
of detergent before taking the sample. The water/detergent
mist will reduce the release of asbestos fibers.
-
Carefully cut a
piece from the entire depth of the material using, for
example, a small knife, corer, or other sharp object. Place
the small piece into a clean container (for example, a 35 mm
film canister, small glass or plastic vial, or high quality
resealable plastic bag).
-
Tightly seal
the container after the sample is in it.
-
Carefully
dispose of the plastic sheet. Use a damp paper towel to
clean up any material on the outside of the container or
around the area sampled. Dispose of asbestos materials
according to state and local procedures.
-
Label the
container with an identification number and clearly state
when and where the sample was taken.
-
Patch the
sampled area with the smallest possible piece of duct tape
to prevent fiber release.
-
Send the sample
to an EPA-approved laboratory for analysis. The National
Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) has a list of
these laboratories. You can get this list from the
Laboratory Accreditation Administration, NIST, Gaithersburg,
MD 20899 (telephone 301-975-4016). Your state or local
health department may also be able to help.
|
How To Manage An Asbestos Problem
If the asbestos
material is in good shape and will not be disturbed, do nothing! If it
is a problem, there are two types of corrections: repair and removal.
REPAIR usually
involves either sealing or covering asbestos material.
Sealing
(encapsulation) involves treating the material with a sealant that
either binds the asbestos fibers together or coats the material so
fibers are not released. Pipe, furnace, and boiler insulation can
sometimes be repaired this way. This should be done only by a
professional trained to handle asbestos safely.
Covering (enclosure)
involves placing something over or around the material that contains
asbestos to prevent release of fibers. Exposed insulated piping may be
covered with a protective wrap or jacket.
With any type of
repair, the asbestos remains in place. Repair is usually cheaper than
removal, but it may make later removal of asbestos, if necessary, more
difficult and costly. Repairs can either be major or minor.
Asbestos
Do's And Don'ts For The Homeowner
-
Do keep
activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material
that may contain asbestos.
-
Do take every
precaution to avoid damaging asbestos material.
-
Do have removal
and major repair done by people trained and qualified in
handling asbestos. It is highly recommended that sampling
and minor repair also be done by asbestos professionals.
-
Don't dust,
sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos.
-
Don't saw,
sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos materials.
-
Don't use
abrasive pads or brushes on power strippers to strip wax
from asbestos flooring. Never use a power stripper on a dry
floor.
-
Don't sand or
try to level asbestos flooring or its backing. When asbestos
flooring needs replacing, install new floorcovering over it,
if possible.
-
Don't track
material that could contain asbestos through the house. If
you cannot avoid walking through the area, have it cleaned
with a wet mop. If the material is from a damaged area, or
if a large area must be cleaned, call an asbestos
professional.
|
Major repairs must be
done only by a professional trained in methods for safely handling
asbestos.
Minor repairs should
also be done by professionals since there is always a risk of exposure to
fibers when asbestos is disturbed.
Doing minor repairs
yourself is not recommended since improper handling of asbestos materials
can create a hazard where none existed. If you nevertheless choose to do
minor repairs, you should have as much information as possible on the
handling of asbestos before doing anything. Contact your state or local
health department or regional EPA office for information about asbestos
training programs in your area. Your local school district may also have
information about asbestos professionals and training programs for school
buildings. Even if you have completed a training program, do not try
anything more than minor repairs. Before undertaking minor repairs,
carefully examine the area around the damage to make sure it is stable. As
a general matter, any damaged area which is bigger than the size of your
hand is not a minor repair.
Before undertaking
minor repairs, be sure to follow all the precautions described earlier for
sampling asbestos material. Always wet the asbestos material using a fine
mist of water containing a few drops of detergent. Commercial products
designed to fill holes and seal damaged areas are available. Small areas
of material such as pipe insulation can be covered by wrapping a special
fabric, such as rewettable glass cloth, around it. These products are
available from stores (listed in the telephone directory under Safety
Equipment and Clothing") which specialize in asbestos materials and
safety items.
REMOVAL is usually the
most expensive method and, unless required by state or local regulations,
should be the last option considered in most situations. This is because
removal poses the greatest risk of fiber release. However, removal may be
required when remodeling or making major changes to your home that will
disturb asbestos material. Also, removal may be called for if asbestos
material is damaged extensively and cannot be otherwise repaired. Removal
is complex and must be done only by a contractor with special training.
Improper removal may actually increase the health risks to you and your
family.
Asbestos Professionals: Who Are They
And What Can They Do?
Asbestos professionals
are trained in handling asbestos material. The type of professional will
depend on the type of product and what needs to be done to correct the
problem. You may hire a general asbestos contractor or, in some cases, a
professional trained to handle specific products containing asbestos.
Asbestos professionals
can conduct home inspections, take samples of suspected material, assess
its condition, and advise about what corrections are needed and who is
qualified to make these corrections. Once again, material in good
condition need not be sampled unless it is likely to be disturbed.
Professional correction or abatement contractors repair or remove asbestos
materials.
Some firms offer
combinations of testing, assessment, and correction. A professional hired
to assess the need for corrective action should not be connected with an
asbestos-correction firm. It is better to use two different firms so there
is no conflict of interest. Services vary from one area to another around
the country.
The federal government
has training courses for asbestos professionals around the country. Some
state and local governments also have or require training or certification
courses. Ask asbestos professionals to document their completion of
federal or state-approved training. Each person performing work in your
home should provide proof of training and licensing in asbestos work, such
as completion of EPA-approved training. State and local health departments
or EPA regional offices may have listings of licensed professionals in
your area.
If you have a problem
that requires the services of asbestos professionals, check their
credentials carefully. Hire professionals who are trained, experienced,
reputable, and accredited - especially if accreditation is required by
state or local laws. Before hiring a professional, ask for references from
previous clients. Find out if they were satisfied. Ask whether the
professional has handled similar situations. Get cost estimates from
several professionals, as the charges for these services can vary.
Though private homes
are usually not covered by the asbestos regulations that apply to schools
and public buildings, professionals should still use procedures described
during federal or state-approved training. Homeowners should be alert to
the chance of misleading claims by asbestos consultants and contractors.
There have been reports of firms incorrectly claiming that asbestos
materials in homes must be replaced. In other cases, firms have encouraged
unnecessary removals or performed them improperly. Unnecessary removals
are a waste of money. Improper removals may actually increase the health
risks to you and your family. To guard against this, know what services
are available and what procedures and precautions are needed to do the job
properly.
In addition to general
asbestos contractors, you may select a roofing, flooring, or plumbing
contractor trained to handle asbestos when it is necessary to remove and
replace roofing, flooring, siding, or asbestos-cement pipe that is part of
a water system. Normally, roofing and flooring contractors are exempt from
state and local licensing requirements because they do not perform any
other asbestos-correction work. Call 1-800-USA-ROOF for names of qualified
roofing contractors in your area. (Illinois residents call 708-318-6722.)
For information on asbestos in floors, read "Recommended Work
Procedures for Resilient Floor Covers." You can write for a copy from
the Resilient Floor Covering Institute, 966 Hungerford Drive, Suite 12-B,
Rockville, MD 20850. Enclose a stamped, business-size, self-addressed
envelope.
Asbestos-containing
automobile brake pads and linings, clutch facings, and gaskets should be
repaired and replaced only by a professional using special protective
equipment. Many of these products are now available without asbestos. For
more information, read "Guidance for Preventing Asbestos Disease
Among Auto Mechanics," available from regional EPA offices.
If You Hire A Professional Asbestos
Inspector
-
Make sure that the
inspection will include a complete visual examination and the
careful collection and lab analysis of samples. If asbestos is
present, the inspector should provide a written evaluation
describing its location and extent of damage, and give
recommendations for correction or prevention.
-
Make sure an inspecting
firm makes frequent site visits if it is hired to assure that a
contractor follows proper procedures and requirements. The inspector
may recommend and perform checks after the correction to assure the
area has been properly cleaned.
If You Hire A Corrective-Action
Contractor
-
Check with your local
air pollution control board, the local agency responsible for worker
safety, and the Better Business Bureau. Ask if the firm has had any
safety violations. Find out if there are legal actions filed against
it.
-
Insist that the
contractor use the proper equipment to do the job. The workers must
wear approved respirators, gloves, and other protective clothing.
-
Before work begins, get
a written contract specifying the work plan, cleanup, and the
applicable federal, state, and local regulations which the
contractor must follow (such as notification requirements and
asbestos disposal procedures). Contact your state and local health
departments, EPA's regional office, and the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration's regional office to find out what the
regulations are. Be sure the contractor follows local asbestos
removal and disposal laws. At the end of the job, get written
assurance from the contractor that all procedures have been
followed.
-
Assure that the
contractor avoids spreading or tracking asbestos dust into other
areas of your home. They should seal the work area from the rest of
the house using plastic sheeting and duct tape, and also turn off
the heating and air conditioning system. For some repairs, such as
pipe insulation removal, plastic glove bags may be adequate. They
must be sealed with tape and properly disposed of when the job is
complete.
-
Make sure the work site
is clearly marked as a hazard area. Do not allow household members
and pets into the area until work is completed.
-
Insist that the
contractor apply a wetting agent to the asbestos material with a
hand sprayer that creates a fine mist before removal. Wet fibers do
not float in the air as easily as dry fibers and will be easier to
clean up.
-
Make sure the
contractor does not break removed material into small pieces. This
could release asbestos fibers into the air. Pipe insulation was
usually installed in preformed blocks and should be removed in
complete pieces.
-
Upon completion, assure
that the contractor cleans the area well with wet mops, wet rags,
sponges, or HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) vacuum cleaners.
A regular vacuum cleaner must never be used. Wetting helps reduce
the chance of spreading asbestos fibers in the air. All asbestos
materials and disposable equipment and clothing used in the job must
be placed in sealed, leakproof, and labeled plastic bags. The work
site should be visually free of dust and debris. Air monitoring (to
make sure there is no increase of asbestos fibers in the air) may be
necessary to assure that the contractor's job is done properly. This
should be done by someone not connected with the contractor.
Caution!
Do not dust, sweep,
or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos. These steps will
disturb tiny asbestos fibers and may release them into the air.
Remove dust by wet mopping or with a special HEPA vacuum cleaner
used by trained asbestos contractors. |
Asbestos
testing kits
<<< Return
to previous page
|
View Cart / Checkout