ASBESTOS

ASBESTOS

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, mill
board, 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.

Health Effects of Asbestos

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.

Reducing Exposure to Asbestos in Homes

Learn how asbestos problems are created in homes. Read the
booklet, Asbestos in Your Home, issued by CPSC, the ALA, and EPA.


To contact these organizations, see the section, Where to Go For
More Information.

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 (2025541404) to find out
whether your state has a training and certification program for
asbestos removal contractors and for information on EPA s
asbestos programs.