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Information
about Asbestos
What is
asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral fiber. In the
past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to
strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire
resistance.
How can asbestos affect my
health?
From studies of people who were exposed to
asbestos in factories and shipyards, we know that breathing
high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk
of lung cancer.
Most people exposed to small amounts
of asbestos, as we all are in our daily lives, do not develop
health problems. However, if disturbed, asbestos material may
release asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled into the lungs.
The fibers can remain there for a long time, increasing the
risk of disease.
Asbestos material that would crumble
easily if handled, or that has been sawed, scraped, or sanded
into a powder, is more likely to create a health
hazard.
Where can I find asbestos and when can it be a
problem?
Most products made today do not contain
asbestos. Those few products made 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.
Common products that may have been made with
asbestos include insulation, soundproofing, decorative
material sprayed on walls and ceilings, hot water and steam
pipes, and furnace ducts.
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, since
material in good condition will not release asbestos fibers.
There is no danger unless fibers are released and inhaled into
the lungs.
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.
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.
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.
For more information, see the
EPA's Asbestos Information
Resources.
The above information is provided as
a public service by the Environmental Protection Agency for
educational
purposes. |
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