What is asbestos?
Where is it found?
Is it harmful?
How are health risks associated with asbestos exposure?
What health problems can asbestos cause?
How do you know if something contains asbestos?
What is vermiculite?
Why should I be concerned about vermiculite insulation?
What does "Friable Asbestos Containing Material" mean?
What do I do if there are asbestos materials in a construction
project I am managing?
Is training required for maintenance and engineering staff?
Do workers need special training for working with asbestos?
If asbestos is being removed, how do I know if I am being exposed to
asbestos fibers?
Can Probe Environmental Inc. collect asbestos air samples and analyze
the samples in an on-site laboratory?
What is the experience of Probe Environmental Inc. staff?
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. It is unique because it takes the form of
long, thin fibers. It is fire resistant and a poor heat and electricity
conductor, which makes it useful in many different applications.
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Where is it 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. Many products are in use today that contain asbestos.
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Is it harmful?
Asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become
airborne when disturbed. If these fibers are inhaled or ingested, they
may cause significant health problems. Asbestos is not always an
immediate hazard. It is only when asbestos containing materials are
disturbed or the materials become damaged that the fibers separate,
become airborne, and becomes a hazard.
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How are health risks associated with asbestos exposure?
Asbestos fibers must be inhaled to cause disease. Disturbing
asbestos containing material or dust containing asbestos will result in
exposure unless precautions are taken. When insulation containing
asbestos is disturbed, lightweight asbestos fibers are released into the
air and can be inhaled. In general, the more you are exposed to
asbestos, the greater your risk of developing related diseases. Exposure
may not have immediate health consequences, however. In many cases,
individuals do not develop related diseases for years or even decades
after exposure.
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What health problems can asbestos cause?
Serious health problems include: 1.) Asbestosis - an incurable
diffuse fibrous scarring of the lungs resulting in a 99% mortality rate,
2.) Mesothelioma - a cancer of the outer lining of the lung and chest
cavity, 3.) Cancer of the lung or gastrointestinal tract, 4.) Malignant
tumors, and/or 5.) pulmonary hypertension and immunological effects.
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How do you know if something contains asbestos?
You can not always tell if a material contains asbestos by looking
at it. The only sure way to know is to have a sample of the material
analyzed by a laboratory.
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What is vermiculite?
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral used in construction,
insulation and gardening products. It looks like shiny, small pieces of
popcorn, and is usually light-brown or gold in color. Vermiculite came
from mines in Libby, Montana (closed in 1990) as well as other mines in
the U.S. and other countries. Vermiculite is still mined and distributed
for a number of uses, including insulation.
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Why should I be concerned about vermiculite insulation?
Much of the Libby vermiculite was used as attic insulation. It was
sold under the product name Zonolite. The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) estimated in 1985 that 940,000 American homes contained
Zonolite attic insulation.
Over 70% of vermiculite ore mined worldwide came from the Libby, Montana
mine. The ore from this mine also included a natural deposit of
amphibole/tremolite asbestos. Much of the vermiculite from Libby was
contaminated with asbestos. Asbestos fibers are invisible to the eye and
can only be professionally detected. Homeowners should consider the
following:
- Vermiculite used for residential insulation may contain
asbestos.
- If you are unsure whether the insulation in your home contains
vermiculite, avoid disturbing it until either you or a professional
can confirm that it is vermiculite.
- Vermiculite mined today for use in insulation is from a source
considered to be free of asbestos contamination.
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What does "Friable Asbestos Containing Material" mean?
A friable asbestos containing material is a material that contains
more than 1% asbestos and can be crumbled or reduced to powder by hand
when it is dry. Friable materials may release more asbestos fibers into
the air than non-friable materials.
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What do I do if there are asbestos materials in a construction
project I am managing?
If asbestos materials may be disturbed during renovation activities,
the asbestos materials must be removed. Probe Environmental, Inc. will work with you and
the project architect or engineer to define the scope of work for
asbestos removal, develop removal specifications, and help select
qualified and licensed contractors.
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Is training required for maintenance and engineering staff?
Employees who may have contact with asbestos materials but will not
intentionally disturb the materials should receive “Asbestos Awareness”
Training. The training should include recognition of asbestos containing
materials, hazards of asbestos exposures, and procedures to follow if
damaged asbestos materials are encountered. Probe Environmental Inc. Can
provide the valuable training to your organization at an economical
value.
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Do workers need special training for working with asbestos?
Yes, federal, state and local laws and regulations require that all
persons who work in any asbestos occupation must be licensed. This
certification is received by taking a training class and passing a
written test. In addition they must under go a rigorous physical and
medical examination including, pulmonary function testing, X-rays and
medical history review. Upon medical approval the applicant will then
undergo respirator training, fit testing and qualification.
These certifications and testing must be updated annually.
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If asbestos is being removed, how do I know if I am being exposed to
asbestos fibers?
Asbestos removal can only be conducted inside a 'regulated area'.
The regulated area is sealed with polyethylene sheets sealed with tape.
Caution signs are placed at the entrances to warn people that asbestos
fibers may be released inside the containment. HVAC systems are sealed
to prevent dispersal of fibers throughout the building. Probe
Environmental Inc. will monitor asbestos removal projects and conduct
visual inspections and air sampling to verify that asbestos fibers are
not released from the regulated area.
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Can Probe Environmental Inc. collect asbestos air samples and analyze
the samples in an on-site laboratory?
Yes, our field staff and project managers are trained to collect and
analyze samples following NIOSH methods. Field analysts participate in
our in-house quality assurance program, and are approved by the AIHA
Asbestos Analysts Registry.
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What is the experience of Probe Environmental Inc. staff?
Probe Environmental Inc. staff includes Certified Industrial
Hygienists, Asbestos Building Inspectors, Management Planners, Project
Designers and Project Monitors. All senior staff has technical degrees
and 10 to 25 years of experience in asbestos consulting services. We can
assist with all phases of an asbestos project, including surveys,
project designs, project management, and environmental quality assurance
monitoring.
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