Frequently Asked Questions
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used in buildings and products. This is due to its heat-resistant properties.Â
Yet, it can be harmful to our health if we do not handle it with care. It can be ubiquitous – as accessible as the nearest floor tile to you. This hazardous pollutant can be a silent killer.Â
Any environmental protection agency’s statement supports this sentiment.Â
In this FAQ, we’ll answer common questions about what asbestos is,. We’ll discuss the top factors about asbestos and why it’s important to be cautious around it. Let’s dive in!
What is asbestos?
Asbestos consists of six naturally occurring minerals that contain highly flexible fibers. The fibers in asbestos that grow in the cracks of soft rock are very durable, chemical resistant, and fireproof. The mineral is very effective in controlling heat, but it is also very toxic.
If an individual inhales or digests the dust from asbestos, it can remain in their system, causing scarring, inflammation, and genetic damage. It usually takes decades for the damage to the surface.
After exposure, severe illnesses that people can develop include mesothelioma, asbestos, and cancers with serious long-term effects.
What should I know about asbestos?
- Asbestos was a popular additive for products from the 1930s to the mid-1970s
- Asbestos may be present in buildings and homes constructed before 1980
- Asbestos can be difficult to identify, and fibers are not visible to the human eye
- If you suspect asbestos is present, you should hire an abatement professional to remove the hazardous material safely
- The general public should not attempt to handle asbestos due to safety hazards
What are some of the top asbestos-containing materials?
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral and building material. This was present in a lot of modern-day objects.
These include asbestos cement, vinyl asbestos tile, and sheet vinyl flooring. You might also find it in your pipe insulation, with asbestos fibers reaching far and wide.
Asbestos used to be in a lot of everyday items because it was good at resisting heat and fire. Here are some of the main things where it was part.
Buildings
Many older buildings have asbestos like floor tiles and thermal insulation.
Vehicles
Brake pads and clutch plates in cars used to contain asbestos.
Household Items
- Caulking
- Ceiling tiles
- Cement Sheeting
- Concrete
- Duct Connectors
- Electrical Breakers
- Electrical Components
- Felt
- Insulation
- Millboard
- Plasters
- Roof Shingles
- Sheetrock
- Siding
- Textured Popcorn Ceilings
- Vinyl Floor Tiles
- Wiring
Industrial Equipment
Factories and industrial settings often used asbestos in machinery and equipment.
Ships
Ships used asbestos in parts like boilers and pipes because it resisted heat and fire well.
Remember, even though asbestos was useful, it’s not safe if it’s damaged or disturbed. That’s because it can release tiny fibers that can be harmful when absorbed.
How do you determine whether something is asbestos?
To check asbestos-containing waste material, one must consider the factors below. As a caveat, note that you should not handle asbestos materials on your own.
Appearance
We can sometimes identify asbestos by its appearance. It may look like fibrous or powdery material, often grayish or whitish in color.
History of Material
If you know that a material is old and had installation in the 1980s, it’s more likely to contain asbestos. Materials like insulation, roofing tiles, and certain types of flooring may contain asbestos. This happened before the creation of regulations.
Professional Testing
If you’re unsure whether a material contains asbestos, it’s best to have a professional test it. They can take samples of the material and analyze them in a lab to determine if asbestos is present.
Labels or Documentation
Materials may have labels or documentation indicating that they contain asbestos. Yet, not all asbestos-containing materials have labels. You should not rely on this as a sole method of identification.
On another note, a waste disposal site must great take care about asbestos exposures. Any renovation or demolition project must also consider proper handling of asbestos waste.
What triggers asbestos exposure?
Below are possible specific triggers of asbestos exposure.
Damaged Materials
Asbestos is safest when it’s left undisturbed. But if it encounters damage, they release asbestos fibers in the air. This happens during renovations or demolition, affecting respiratory tissues.
Old Buildings
There are still many older buildings that men built before we knew the dangers of asbestos. They still contain asbestos in things like insulation, ceiling tiles, and flooring.
Occupational Exposure
Certain jobs, like construction or shipbuilding, can put workers at risk. They may come into contact with asbestos-containing materials.
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes can also damage buildings and release asbestos fibers.
DIY Projects
Home improvement projects where people handle asbestos-containing materials without proper precautions are risky. It’s important to know what materials might contain asbestos. What is more important is to handle them with caution.
How should I handle asbestos?
Asbestos exposure is hazardous and can lead to asbestos-related illnesses. It is crucial that you handle the material carefully. If you mishandle asbestos, it can release fibers into the air. These fibers can be inhaled and may become stuck in internal organs, including the lungs, heart, and abdomen.
If you suspect asbestos in a building, you can hire a professional to come, take samples, and test for it. If you know asbestos is present, you should hire an abatement professional to remove it safely.
An abatement professional is a highly trained individual who gained their credentials by receiving training and accreditation.
These professionals follow both federal and state laws while working.
The EPA recommends that the general public does not attempt to handle asbestos due to how dangerous exposure can be.
What are the signs of asbestos exposure?
Exposure to asbestos material manifests through various symptoms. If you’ve worried about asbestos exposure, here are some signs to observe.
- Breathing Problems: You might have trouble breathing or develop a cough that doesn’t go away.
- Chest Pain: Some people experience chest pain or tightness in their chest.
- Persistent Cough: If you have a cough that lasts for a long time and doesn’t seem to get better, it could be a sign of asbestos exposure.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time, even when you haven’t done much, can be a symptom.
- Fingertip Swelling: Sometimes, asbestos exposure can cause swelling and deformities in the fingertips.
- Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss can also be a sign that something isn’t right with human health.
Call a doctor right away if you have both asbestos exposure and these symptoms. They can help figure out if asbestos is causing your symptoms and what you can do about it.
Does all construction have an asbestos-containing material?
Not all commercial buildings have asbestos. Yet, everyone must exercise caution in not disturbing asbestos. The fiber releases arising from old buildings are still harmful as loose asbestos.
Again, we emphasize the importance for builders and homeowners to be aware. This is specific to the possibility of asbestos in older buildings. They must take precautions when renovating or demolishing them.
Are there existing asbestos regulations in my country?
It is fortunate that organizations like Environmental Protection Agency pushed for regulation. There are also asbestos abatement projects.
Below are some existing asbestos regulations per country and region.
United States
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). These regulations include requirements for asbestos management in schools.
They also include restrictions on the manufacture, importation, processing, and distribution of products.
United Kingdom
In the UK, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 govern asbestos-related regulations. These regulations include requirements for the identification and management of asbestos-containing materials. These are specific to workplaces.
They also include rules for the safe removal and disposal of asbestos.
Australia
Australia has regulations for controlling the importation, sale, and use of asbestos-containing materials.
For this country, the main implementor is the Australian Government’s Department of Health. They work with the Safe Work Australia agency.
Canada
In Canada, they have the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.
They also imposed restrictions on the use of asbestos in new products.
European Union
The European Union (EU) has regulations for controlling the use of asbestos. These regulations include restrictions on the importation, sale, and use of asbestos-containing materials.
Like other global regions, they have guidelines for safe removal of asbestos.
Note that in any country, an asbestos survey will also help. This can have hazardous air pollutants regulated.
How can I avoid asbestos exposure and future asbestos illnesses?
The number one way to prevent asbestos exposure is to educate yourself on limiting and avoiding asbestos exposure. Asbestos-related diseases are not contagious, so if you avoid exposure, you are unlikely to develop one.
Asbestos was intensively used in housing from the early 1940s through the 1970s. If you are living or working in an older home/building, you should not disturb any materials that may contain asbestos.
If the house has not been inspected or you suspect asbestos, it is essential to hire a licensed abatement company to test for asbestos and remove hazardous materials. You can find information on the removal and testing of asbestos on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
If you are possibly at risk due to being in close vicinity with someone who routinely works with asbestos, such as a roommate, you should inquire about sanitation procedures. Individuals have developed asbestos-related diseases after second-hand exposure to the material.
Individuals may bring home asbestos fibers on their skin, clothes, hair, shoes, and tools.
A combination of asbestos exposure and smoking can increase your chances of developing lung cancer.
Research has shown that individuals who have been exposed to asbestos may be able to decrease their likelihood of developing lung cancer by quitting smoking. Individuals should also avoid second-hand smoke.
Lastly, if you are a worker in the blue-collar industry, you should learn about possible safety measures to avoid asbestos exposure. Resources you should utilize for safety protocols are your employer and agencies such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
What are the top measures to consider in protecting asbestos workers?
Prevent asbestos-based risk factors with the right knowledge. Only give asbestos-related work to a licensed asbestos contractor. This is to avoid any harmful asbestos affect.
Asbestos workers can get protection through the following suggestions below:
Training
Workers should receive training on how to identify asbestos-containing materials. They must know the health risks of asbestos exposure. Include safe work practices for handling and removing asbestos.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Workers should wear appropriate PPE. These refer to respirators, disposable coveralls, gloves, and protective eyewear. This is to lessen or cut exposure to asbestos fibers.
Engineering Controls
Engineering controls can help. One can wet down materials to prevent the release of fibers.
Others can also exhaust ventilation systems. Enclosing work areas can also stop the spread of asbestos fibers in the air.
Work Practices
Safe work practices will help, which include the following:
Avoiding the use of power tools that can generate dust
Minimizing the breakage of asbestos-containing materials
Sealing off work areas with caution