Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been
used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for
insulation and as a fire-retardant. EPA and CPSC have banned several
asbestos products. Manufacturers have also voluntarily limited uses of
asbestos. Today, asbestos is most commonly found in older homes, in pipe
and furnace insulation materials, asbestos shingles, millboard, textured
paints and other coating materials, and floor tiles.
Elevated concentrations of airborne
asbestos can occur after asbestos-containing materials are disturbed by
cutting, sanding or other remodeling activities. Improper attempts to
remove these materials can release asbestos fibers into the air in homes,
increasing asbestos levels and endangering people living in those homes.
Call EPA's TSCA Assistance Line at
(202) 554-1404 to find out whether your state has a training and
certification program for asbestos removal contractors and for information
on EPA's Asbestos programs or visit the Office of Pollution
Prevention and Toxic Substances Asbestos Home Page -
www.epa.gov/asbestos |
Sources of Asbestos
Deteriorating, damaged, or
disturbed insulation, fireproofing, acoustical materials, and floor tiles.
Health Effects
No immediate
symptoms, but long-term risk of chest and abdominal cancers and lung
diseases. Smokers are at higher risk of developing asbestos-induced lung
cancer. Integrated Risk Information System description on Asbestos - www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0371.htm#I.A. (Chemical Abstract
Service Registry Number - 1332-21-4).
The most dangerous asbestos fibers are too
small to be visible. After they are inhaled, they can remain and
accumulate in the lungs. Asbestos can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma (a
cancer of the chest and abdominal linings), and asbestosis (irreversible
lung scarring that can be fatal). Symptoms of these diseases do not show
up until many years after exposure began. Most people with
asbestos-related diseases were exposed to elevated concentrations on the
job; some developed disease from exposure to clothing and equipment
brought home from job sites.
Levels in Homes
Elevated levels can
occur in homes where asbestos-containing materials are damaged or
disturbed.
Steps to Reduce Exposure
- It is best to leave undamaged asbestos
material alone if it is not likely to be disturbed.
- Use trained and qualified contractors
for control measures that may disturb asbestos and for cleanup.
- Follow proper procedures in replacing
wood stove door gaskets that may contain asbestos.
If you think your home may have
asbestos, don't panic!
Usually it is best to leave asbestos
material that is in good condition alone. Generally, material in good
condition will not release asbestos fiber. There is no danger unless
fibers are released and inhaled into the lungs.
Do not cut, rip, or sand
asbestos-containing materials.
Leave undamaged materials alone and, to the
extent possible, prevent them from being damaged, disturbed, or touched.
Periodically inspect for damage or deterioration. 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 about 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.
When you need to remove or clean up
asbestos, use a professionally trained contractor.
Select a contractor only after careful
discussion of the problems in your home and the steps the contractor
will take to clean up or remove them. Consider the option of sealing off
the materials instead of removing them.
Call EPA's TSCA Assistance Line at
(202) 554-1404 to find out whether your state has a training and
certification program for asbestos removal contractors and for information
on EPA's Asbestos programs or visit the Office of Pollution
Prevention and Toxic Substances Asbestos Home Page -
www.epa.gov/asbestos
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Hotline - Sponsored by the
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, the TSCA Hotline provides
technical assistance and information about asbestos programs implemented
under TSCA, which include; the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act (ASHAA),
the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), and the Asbestos
School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act (ASHARA). The Hotline
provides copies of TSCA information, such as Federal Register notices and
support documents, to requesters through its Clearinghouse function.
E-mail address: tsca-hotline@epa.gov
Hours of Service: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (EST) M - F
Telephone: (202) 554-1404
TDD: 202-554-0551
Fax: 202-554-5603 (Fax available 24 hours a day)
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Additional Resources
Asbestos in
Your Home
www.epa.gov/asbestos/ashome.html
This brochure, authored by the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxic
Substances' Asbestos Program, discusses health effects of
asbestos exposure, identifies common products and building materials
from the past that might contain asbestos, and describes conditions that
may cause release of asbestos fibers. Describes how to identify
materials that contain asbestos and how to control an asbestos problem.
Explains the role of asbestos professionals and use of asbestos
inspectors and removal contractors. This brochure was co-authored with the
American Lung Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission. [EPA 400-K-90-100, Sept. 1990]
See also:
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