Asbestos: It’s All About Your Health!

Asbestos is the general term given to six natural, fibrous, silicate minerals. It is derived from a Greek word that means “inextinguishable.” For commercial use, the minerals are milled and separated into very thin fibers used in a wide variety of products. Asbestos was used extensively in homes built before 1970. In 1970, the Clean Air Act gave the Environmental Protection Agency the ability to regulate these minerals. Although certain asbestos-containing products were banned by the EPA, and asbestos is no longer mined in the United States, there are still numerous products containing these minerals. The reason? Pre-ban products may still be available and sold, and current products that contain asbestos are imported. Imported products have not been banned; however, regulations exist regarding using them in ways other than their packaged intent. Some of these products could exist in your home — whether or not it was built after 1970. If you are doing any type of repair, renovation, remodel or demolition, it is critical to your health to test for asbestos. It could exist in the product you are removing and/or in the product that is new. Roof and siding removal or repair, window replacements, linoleum or tile removal, vermiculite removal, removal of carpet over existing tile—these are just a few of the repairs or renovations that could result in exposure to asbestos. Working with any materials that potentially contain asbestos is a serious health risk. Once asbestos becomes airborne, these tiny fibers are nearly invisible to the naked eye and can remain in the air for a long time. The result is the possibility of inhaling these fine particles, potentially causing serious illnesses such as Asbestosis, Mesothelioma and/or Lung Cancer. If you are doing any type of renovation, repair or remodel on your primary residence, Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency highly recommends that you have the work area surveyed by an AHERA-certified building inspector before any work is started. Suspect materials will be tested for asbestos to determine if asbestos is present. Having your home tested is a reasonable cost and worth every penny. Spokane Clean Air also recommends that you hire a state-certified asbestos abatement contractor to remove asbestos, if applicable. If removal is necessary, both you (if you do the work yourself) and/or the contractor are obligated to follow all regulations. If you hire a contractor, you are both legally required to have a survey done. Failure to follow regulations would slow down the work and result in fines to all parties involved. Asbestos information and regulation materials are available on our Web site at www.spokanecleanair.org/asbestos.asp. The primary uses of asbestos that have been banned are sprayed-on materials such as fireproofing (banned in 1973), pre-molded insulation (banned in 1976), and popcorn/decorative ceilings (banned in 1978). Specific asbestos-containing products are also banned: flooring felt, rollboard, and corrugated, commercial, or specialty paper. In addition, the use of asbestos in products that have not historically contained asbestos, in other words, “new uses” of asbestos, are also banned. The “popcorn ceiling” product is the most recognized form of asbestos, but it’s important to be aware that many other products may contain asbestos. Current products, unless they specifically state “Asbestos Free,” the term “asbestos” is not what is listed. The ingredients listed could be any of the following: Natural Mineral Fibers, Magnesium Silicate or types of Asbestos such as Actinolite, Amosite, Anthophylite, Chrysotile, Crocidolite, and/or Tremolite. The most common are Amosite and Chrysotile. It’s important to be aware of what to look for before you make a purchase. The following is a partial list of products that may contain asbestos: Roofing shingles, felt or tar Vinyl sheet flooring and vinyl wall coverings HVAC, boiler, pipe or breaching insulation Adhesives, mastics, and caulking or putties Spackling, joint and taping compounds Spray-applied or blown-in insulation Decorative and acoustical plaster Vinyl or asphalt floor tiles Cement siding, pipes or wallboard Auto brakes, mufflers or transmission disks Packings and gaskets Certain textiles such as fire blankets and curtains Electrical cloth, wiring insulation or panel partitions Remember to check the ingredients and look for products that clearly state “Asbestos Free.” In addition, notify your local hardware stores that you want them to carry asbestos-free product choices. If you have questions about asbestos, please check our Web site or contact one of our experts here at Spokane Clean Air. Remember, It’s All About Your Health! Simone Ramel is a Communications Specialist with Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency. For more information visit www.spokanecleanair.org/asbestos.asp or call (509) 477-4727.