This 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 building is not hazardous. The danger is that asbestos material 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 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 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
Asbestosis - 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-containing material may release asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled into the lungs. These 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.
The Information contained in this document was developed by the EPA, the American Lung Association, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health.
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:
Product Condition which may release fibers
STEAM PIPES, BOILERS and FURNACE DUCTS insulated with an asbestos blanket of 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 or MASTICS 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 as will their performance of 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, drilled, or cut. |
ARTIFICIAL ASHES AND EMBERS sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces |
These products are not likely to release asbestos fibers unless sawed, drilled, or cut. |
Older household products such as FIREPROOF GLOVES, STOVE-TOP PADS, IRONING BOARD COVERS, and certain HAIRDRYERS |
These products are not likely to release asbestos fibers unless sawed, drilled, or cut. |
AUTOMOBILE BRAKE PADS, LININGS, CLUTCH FACINGS AND GASKETS |
These products are not likely to release asbestos fibers unless sawed, drilled, or cut. |
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 licensed inspector. A licensed inspector should take samples for analysis, since an inspector 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. Sampling of material which may contain asbestos must be conducted by an asbestos inspector, licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
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. This is particularly true if you often disturb it by hitting, rubbing, or handling it, or if it is exposed to extreme vibrations 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. Please see the appendixed phone numbers for state and federal contact agencies.
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 licensed asbestos abatement contractor is needed. Before you have your house remodeled, find out whether asbestos materials are present. It is recommended that your house be inspected for the presence of asbestos before beginning any renovation activity that disturbs materials which may contain asbestos. The inspection must be done by an asbestos inspector licensed by the Department of Public Health.
HOW TO MANAGE AN ASBESTOS PROBLEM
If the asbestos 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. In the State of Connecticut, any repair or removal involving more than three linear or three square feet of asbestos-containing material must be performed by a contractor licensed by the Department of Public Health.
REPAIR usually involves either encapsulating (sealing) or enclosing (covering) asbestos material.
Encapsulation (sealing) 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 licensed abatement contractor who is professionally trained to handle asbestos safely.
Enclosure (covering) 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. A 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.
Major repairs (involving areas greater than three linear or three square feet of asbestos-containing material) must be done only by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor 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 never the less choose to do minor repairs, you should have as much information as possible on the handling of asbestos before doing anything. Under the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (RCSA), the requirements specified in Section 19a-332a-10 of the Standards For Asbestos Abatement must be adhered to. The State Department of Public Health (DPH) recommends at a minimum, a sixteen hour Operations and Maintenance training program for individuals performing such work.
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 be a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. Improper removal may actually increase the health risks to you and your family.
ASBESTOS PROFESSIONALS: WHO AE 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. The State of Connecticut, DPH licenses abatement contractors and asbestos consultants. Consultants may be licensed in several categories, including Inspector, Inspector/Management Planner, Project Designer and Project Monitor. Consultants licensed as Inspectors only are limited in their ability to make recommendations. Each discipline allows for specific functions only allowed under that specified license. Consultants 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.
In Connecticut, asbestos contractors are licensed entities which utilize trained, EPA-accredited employees. Ask asbestos professionals to document their completion of federal and/or state-approved training. Each person performing work in your home should provide proof of training in asbestos work, such as completion of an EPA or state approved training program. The DPH has listings of licensed professionals in the state of Connecticut. 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. 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.
State regulations pertain to all facilities, including single family residential units. 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 words, firms have encouraged unnecessary removals or performed them improperly. Unnecessary removals are a waste of money, and 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.
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 CONSULTANT
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/management planner should provide a written evaluation describing its location and extent of damage, and give recommendations for correction or prevention.
Make sure a consulting firm makes frequent site visits if it is hired to assure that a contractor follows proper procedures and requirements. The designated project monitor must perform a visual inspection after the abatement to assure the area has been properly cleaned. The final inspection will include air clearance testing in accordance with the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (RCSA), Section 19a-332a-12 of the Standards for Asbestos Abatement.
IF YOU HIRE AN ASBESTOS ABATEMENT CONTRACTOR
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 the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Indoor Air Program, (860) 509-7367, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) 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 off from the rest of the house using plastic (polyethylene) 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 are used within enclosed areas. 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 or pets into the area until work is completed. The contractor should place warning signs to the entry of the work area and allow authorized personnel only.
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 asbestos 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, and HEPA (high efficiency particle 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 visibly free of dust and debris. Air monitoring (to make sure there is no increase of asbestos fibers in the air) will 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 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 floor covering 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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
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 1-800-638-8270.
For more information on asbestos identification and control activities, contact the Asbestos Coordinator in the EPA Regional Office at (617) 565-3835.
For information on Licensure and Training Requirements, the Standards for Asbestos Abatement, Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools regulation and/or renovation/demolition requirements, please contact the Department of Public Health, Indoor Air Program at (860) 509-7367.
For information on asbestos in the construction standard and/or general industry standard including labeling asbestos-containing materials in the work place, worker protection and issues involving employer-employee relations and asbestos exposure, please contact the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA, either in Hartford (860) 240-3152 or in Bridgeport (203) 579-5581.
For information on asbestos disposal, please contact the Department of Environmental Protection (D.E.P.), Waste Engineering and Enforcement Division (860) 424-3366.
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