Asbestos

Asbestos
From "Indoor Air Pollution." Co-sponsored by: The American Lung Association (ALA), The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and The American Medical Association (AMA)

Once widely used in structural fireproofing, asbestos may be found predominantly in heating systems and acoustic insulation, in floor and ceiling tiles, and in shingles in many older houses. It was formerly used in such consumer products as fireplace gloves, ironing board covers, and certain hair dryers.

When asbestos-containing material is damaged or disintegrates with age, microscopic fibers may be dispersed into the air. Over as long as twenty, thirty, or more years, the presence of these fibers within the lungs may result in asbestosis (asbestos-caused fibrosis of the lung, seen as a result of heavy occupational exposure), lung cancer and pleural or peritoneal cancer, or mesothelioma. For lung cancer, the effect of tobacco smoking in combination with asbestos exposure appears to be synergistic by approximately fivefold. Occupational exposure may also be associated with increased risk of gastrointestinal malignancies. Attention should be focused on those populations with continual exposure and documented health effects, e.g. maintenance workers.

Products and materials containing asbestos are not necessarily so labeled. Construction professionals or state or local environmental agencies may inspect and analyze suspect materials. Manufacturers of particular products may also be able to supply information.

The risk of disease depends on exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. Average levels in buildings are low, and the risk to building occupants is therefore low.

Removal of asbestos is not always the best choice to reduce exposure. The EPA requires asbestos removal only in order to prevent significant public exposure and generally recommends an in-place management program when asbestos has been discovered and is in good condition.

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