| |
This booklet will help you understand
asbestos: what it is, its health effects, where it is in your home,
and what to do about it.
Even if asbestos is in your home,
this is usually NOT a serious problem. The mere presence of asbestos
in a home or a building is not hazardous. The danger is that
asbestos materials may become damaged over time. Damaged asbestos
may release asbestos fibers and become a health hazard.
THE
BEST THING TO DO WITH ASBESTOS MATERIAL IN GOOD CONDITION IS TO
LEAVE IT ALONE! Disturbing it may create a health hazard where none
existed before. Read this booklet before you have any asbestos
material inspected, removed, or repaired.
What is
asbestos?
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:
- lung cancer;
- mesothelioma, a cancer of the
lining of the chest and the abdominal cavity; and
- asbestosis,
in which the lungs become scarred with fibrous
tissue.
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
wood-burning 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 scrapping 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, drilled, 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.
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.
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 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 of 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 form the
Laboratory Accreditation Administration, NIST. Gaithersburg, MD
20899 (telephone 301-975-4016). Your state or local health
department may also be able to help.
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.
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 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 form 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 chose 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 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.
Where asbestos hazards may be found in the
home
1. Some roofing and siding shingles are made of
asbestos cement.
2. Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have
asbestos as insulation.
3.Asbestos may be present in textured
paint and in patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints.
Their use was banned in 1977.
4. Artificial ashes and embers sold
for use in gas-fired fireplaces may contain asbestos.
5. Older
products such as stove-top pads may have some asbestos
compounds.
6. Walls and floors around wood burning stoves may be
protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cements sheets.
7.
Asbestos is found in some vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl
sheet flooring and adhesives.
8. Hot water and steam pipes in
older houses may be coated with an asbestos material or covered with
an asbestos blanket or tape.
9. Oil and coal furnaces and door
gaskets may have asbestos insulation.
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, sliding, 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-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 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 cleared.
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, leak proof, 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.
For more
information, contact your local American Lung Association for copies
of:
- Indoor Air Pollution Fact Sheet-Asbestos
- Air Pollution
In Your Home?
- Other publications on indoor pollution
For
more information on asbestos in other consumer products, call the
CPSC Hotline or write to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission, Washington, DC 20207. The CPSC Hotline has information
on certain appliances and products, such as the brands and models of
hairdryers that contain asbestos. Call CPSC at 1-800-638-CPSC. A
teletypewriter (TTY) for the hearing impaired is available at
1-800-492-8104.
To find out whether your state has a training
and certification program for asbestos removal contractors, and for
information on the EPA's asbestos programs, call the EPA at
202-554-1404.
For more information on asbestos identification
and control activities, contact the Asbestos Coordinator in the EPA
Regional Office for your region, or your state or local health
department.
|
|
|
Email 
| 
