Asbestos and Your Health  - 4/1/2004 - Health Asbestos Asbestosis Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Asbestos and Your Health 

What Is Asbestos? 
Asbestos is the name given to a number of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that have been mined for their useful properties, such as thermal insulation, chemical and thermal stability, and high tensile strength. In the past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance. The three most common types of asbestos are: a) chrysotile, b) amosite, and c) crocidolite. Chrysotile, also known as “white asbestos” and a member of the Serpentine mineral group is the most common. Asbestos can only be identified under a microscope. (So don’t let any Realtors tell you there’s no asbestos in an older house you want to buy – unless they can prove they have microscopic vision!)  

Asbestos differs from other minerals in its crystal development. The crystal formation of asbestos is in the form of long thin fibers. Asbestos is divided into two mineral groups - Serpentine and Amphibole. The division between the two types of asbestos is based upon the crystalline structure. Serpentines have a sheet or layered structure where amphiboles have a chain-like structure. As the only member of the serpentine group, Chrysotile (A, B) is the most common type of asbestos found in buildings. Chrysotile makes up approximately 90%-95% of all asbestos contained in buildings in the United States . 
 
In the amphibole group, there are five types of asbestos. As an acronym for the Asbestos Mines of South Africa, Amosite is the second most prevalent type of asbestos found in building materials. Amosite is also known as "brown asbestos." Next, there is Crocidolite or "blue asbestos," which is an asbestos found in specialized high temperature applications. The other three types, Anthophyllite, Tremolite, and Actinolite, are rare and found mainly as contaminants in other minerals. Asbestos deposits can be found throughout the world and are still mined in Australia , Canada , South Africa , and the former Soviet Union . 
 
Why is asbestos a hazard? 
Asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become airborne when distributed. These fibers get into the air and may become inhaled into the lungs, where they may cause significant health problems. Researchers still have not determined a "safe level" of exposure but we know the greater and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk of contracting an asbestos related disease. Some of these health problems include: 
 
> Asbestosis - a lung disease first found in naval shipyard workers. As asbestos fibers are inhaled, they may become trapped in the lung tissue. The body tries to dissolve the fibers by producing an acid. This acid, due to the chemical resistance of the fiber, does little to damage the fiber, but may scar the surrounding tissue. Eventually, this scarring may become so severe that the lungs cannot function. The latency period (meaning the time it takes for the disease to become developed) is often 25-40 years. 
 
> Mesothelioma - a cancer of the pleura (the outer lining of the lung and chest cavity) and/or the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal wall). This form of cancer is peculiar because the only known cause is from asbestos exposure. The latency period for mesothelioma is often 15-30 years. 
 
> Lung Cancer - caused by asbestos. The effects of lung cancer are often greatly increased by cigarette smoking (by about 50%)! Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract can also be caused by asbestos. The latency period for cancer is often 15-30 years. 
 
Despite the common misconception, asbestos does not cause head-aches, sore muscles or other immediate symptoms. As mentioned above, the effects often go unnoticed for 15-40 years. 
 
Although most studies deal with occupational exposures, a growing number of studies have linked disease to environmental asbestos exposures. For instance, there are reports of markedly elevated mesothelioma rates in populations living in areas in Greece , Turkey  and New Caledonia  with substantial quantities of tremolite asbestos in the soil, particularly among individuals who used tremolite asbestos to whitewash their homes. In Libby , Montana , asbestos related diseases have occurred not only in miners, but among their family members and other non-workers exposed through environmental sources of asbestos. Asbestos deposits, including both chrysotile and amphibole asbestos, are located in many parts of the United States and are commonly associated with serpentine, talc or vermiculite. Environmental exposures can occur when these formations are disturbed, thus releasing fibers into the air. 
 
When is asbestos a hazard? 
Asbestos is not always an immediate hazard. In fact, if asbestos can be maintained in good condition, it is recommended that it be left alone and periodic surveillance performed to monitor its condition. It is only when asbestos containing materials (ACM) are disturbed or the materials become damaged that it becomes a hazard. When the materials become damaged, the fibers separate and may then become airborne. In the asbestos industry, the term “friable” is used to describe asbestos that can be reduced to dust by hand pressure. “Non-friable” means asbestos that is too hard to be reduced to dust by hand. Non-friable materials, such as transite siding and floor tiles, are not regulated provided it does not become friable. Machine grinding, sanding and dry-buffing are ways of causing non-friable materials to become friable.  

Where Can Asbestos Be Found? 
Asbestos is commonly used as an acoustic insulator, thermal insulation, fire proofing and in other building materials. Asbestos fibers are incredibly strong and have properties that make them resistant to heat. There are products still in use today that contain asbestos. Most of these are materials used in heat and acoustic insulation, fire proofing, and roofing and flooring. 

Those products made today 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. Here’s some more detail about common products that might have contained asbestos in the past, and conditions which may release fibers, include:  

> Steam Pipes, Boilers, and Furnace Ducts insulated with an asbestos blanket or 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 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. So will 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, dilled, or cut. 
 
> Artificial Ashes and Embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces. Also, other older household products such as Fireproof Gloves, Stove-Top Pads, Ironing Board Covers, and certain Hairdryers. 
 
> Automobile Brake Pads and Linings, Clutch Facings, and Gaskets. 
 
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. Damaged material may release asbestos fibers. This is particularly true if you often disturb it by hitting, rubbing, or handling it, or if it is exposed to extreme vibration 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. 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.  
 
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. (So don’t let any Realtors tell you, “Oh, don’t worry Mr. & Mrs. Buyer, I’ve been a real estate agent for many years and I know what asbestos looks like and there’s definitely none in this house. Take my word for it!”) If in doubt, treat the material as if it contains asbestos or have it sampled and analyzed by a qualified professional. A professional should take samples for analysis, since a professional 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. Taking samples yourself is not recommended. If you nevertheless choose to take the samples yourself, take care not to release asbestos fibers into the air or onto yourself. Material that is in good condition and will not be disturbed (by remodeling, for example) should be left alone. Only material that is damaged or will be disturbed should be sampled. Anyone who samples asbestos-containing materials should have as much information as possible on the handling of asbestos before sampling, and at a minimum, should observe the following procedures: 

> Make sure no one else is in the room when sampling is done. 
> Wear disposable gloves or wash hands after sampling. 
> Shut down any heating or cooling systems to minimize the spread of any released fibers. 
> Do not disturb the material any more than is needed to take a small sample. 
> Place a plastic sheet on the floor below the area to be sampled. 
> Wet the material using a fine mist of water containing a few drops of detergent before taking the sample. The water/detergent mist will reduce the release of asbestos fibers. 
> Carefully cut a piece from the entire depth of the material using, for example, a small knife, corer, or other sharp object. Place the small piece into a clean container (for example, a 35 mm film canister, small glass or plastic vial, or high quality re-sealable plastic bag). 
> Tightly seal the container after the sample is in it. 
> Carefully dispose of the plastic sheet. Use a damp paper towel to clean up any material on the outside of the container or around the area sampled. Dispose of asbestos materials according to State and local procedures. 
> Label the container with an identification number and clearly State when and where the sample was taken. 
> Patch the sampled area with the smallest possible piece of duct tape to prevent fiber release. 
> Send the sample to an asbestos analysis laboratory accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). A directory of NVLAP accredited laboratories is available on the NVLAP web site at http://ts.nist.gov/ts/htdocs/210/214/214.htm. Your State or local health department may also be able to help. 
 
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. 
 
How To Manage An Asbestos Problem 
If the asbestos material 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. Repair usually involves either sealing or covering asbestos material. Sealing (encapsulation) 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 professional trained to handle asbestos safely! 
 
Covering (enclosure) 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. 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 must be done only by a professional 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 nevertheless choose to do minor repairs, you should have as much information as possible on the handling of asbestos before doing anything. Contact your State or local health department or regional EPA office for information about asbestos training programs in your area. Your local school district may also have information about asbestos professionals and training programs for school buildings. Even if you have completed a training program, do not try anything more than minor repairs. Before undertaking minor repairs, carefully examine the area around the damage to make sure it is stable. As a general matter, any damaged area which is bigger than the size of your hand is not a minor repair. 
 
Before undertaking minor repairs, be sure to follow all the precautions described earlier for sampling asbestos material. Always wet the asbestos material using a fine mist of water containing a few drops of detergent. Commercial products designed to fill holes and seal damaged areas are available. Small areas of material such as pipe insulation can be covered by wrapping a special fabric, such as re-wettable glass cloth, around it. These products are available from stores (listed in the telephone directory under “Safety Equipment and Clothing") which specialize in asbestos materials and safety items.  

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 by a contractor with special training. Improper removal may actually increase the health risks to you and your family. 
 
Asbestos Professionals: Who Are 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. You may hire a general asbestos contractor or, in some cases, a professional trained to handle specific products containing asbestos. Asbestos professionals can conduct asbestos 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. Once again, material in good condition need not be sampled unless it is likely to be disturbed. 
 
Professional correction or abatement contractors repair or remove asbestos materials. Some firms offer combinations of testing, assessment, and correction. A professional hired to assess the need for corrective action should not be connected with an asbestos-correction firm. It is better to use two different firms so there is no conflict of interest. Services vary from one area to another around the country.  
 
The Federal government has training courses for asbestos professionals around the country. Some State and local governments also have or require training or certification courses. Ask asbestos professionals to document their completion of Federal or State approved training. Each person performing work in your home should provide proof of training and licensing in asbestos work, such as completion of EPA approved training. State and local health departments or EPA regional offices may have listings of licensed professionals in your area. 
 
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 - especially if accreditation is required by State or local laws. 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. 
 
Though private homes are usually not covered by the asbestos regulations that apply to schools and public buildings, professionals should still use procedures described during Federal or State approved training. 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 cases, firms have encouraged unnecessary removals or performed them improperly. Unnecessary removals are a waste of money. 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. 
 
In addition to general asbestos contractors, you may select a roofing, flooring, or plumbing contractor trained to handle asbestos when it is necessary to remove and replace roofing, flooring, siding, or Asbestos-Cement pipe that is part of a water system. Normally, roofing and flooring contractors are exempt from State and local licensing requirements because they do not perform any other asbestos-correction work. Call 1-800-USA-ROOF for names of qualified roofing contractors in your area. ( Illinois residents call 708-318-6722.) For information on asbestos in floors, read "Recommended Work Procedures for Resilient Floor Covers." You can write for a copy from the Resilient Floor Covering Institute, 966 Hungerford Drive, Suite 12 - B, Rockville , MD 20850 . Enclose a stamped, business-size, self-addressed envelope. 

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 Inspector 
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 should provide a written evaluation describing its location and extent of damage, and give recommendations for correction or prevention. Make sure an inspecting firm makes frequent site visits if it is hired to assure that a contractor follows proper procedures and requirements. The inspector may recommend and perform checks after the correction to assure the area has been properly cleaned. 
 
If You Hire A Corrective-Action Contractor 
> Check with your local air pollution control board, the local agency responsible for worker safety, and the Better Business Bureau. Ask if the firm has had any safety violations. Find out if there are legal actions filed against it. 
> 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 your State and local health departments, EPA's regional office, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's 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 from the rest of the house using plastic 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 may be adequate. 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 and pets into the area until work is completed. 
> 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 material 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, or HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate 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, leak proof, and labeled plastic bags. The work site should be visually free of dust and debris. Air monitoring (to make sure there is no increase of asbestos fibers in the air) may 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.