How to Handle Hazards Posed by ‘Magic Mineral’
Asbestos has not been banned. A few uses are outlawed and others have been discontinued. But some asbestos products are still on the market, and most homes and other buildings more than 10 years old contain some asbestos.
Experts say there are a number of things that homeowners should keep in mind about asbestos.
The mere presence of asbestos is not a problem. As long as asbestos materials are intact and unable to release lung-damaging fibers, they are safe.
Asbestos is dangerous only when it is worn or damaged, or is disturbed by remodeling or repairs.
Cutting, sanding or puncturing asbestos-containing materials should be avoided. And homeowners should check asbestos items from time to time to make sure that they’re in good shape.
Avoiding Dust
If debris from broken asbestos has spilled to the floor, it should be carefully wet mopped to avoid raising dust. It should never be swept or vacuumed, as the microscopic fibers may pass through the vacuum and into the air.
Knowing what is and isn’t asbestos is the hard part. It is often found in insulation around pipes and near heating sources, in certain ceiling tiles and plasters, and in some types of floor tile.
But over the years, it has been used in hundreds of products, and few asbestos products are labeled as such. The manufacturer or installer may know, and experienced plumbers, electricians or heating contractors may make reasonable guesses. But the only sure way to determine the presence of asbestos is to have a sample tested by an analytical laboratory. These are usually listed in the Yellow Pages.
However, do not break off a hunk of suspicious-looking material just to take a sample. This could create a hazard that did not exist before. If the material is already damaged, it may be possible to gently wet it and take a small sample.
It is best to call a trained professional who knows how to sample asbestos without raising dust.
Finding Consultants
There are consultants who inspect and sample homes for asbestos and give advice on how to handle remodeling and repairs. Some advertise in the Yellow Pages and others are known to real estate brokers.
But asbestos consultants aren’t licensed in California and should be asked to show proof of training.
Professional industrial hygienists may also perform asbestos inspections. The American Board of Industrial Hygiene will provide a free list of members. Write the board at 475 Wolf Ledges Parkway, Akron, Ohio, 44311, or call (216) 762-7294. Members must be college graduates with degrees in industrial hygiene, engineering or a related field with at least five years experience in industrial hygiene.
Some asbestos consultants work for or with an asbestos abatement contractor who removes or seals asbestos. Before hiring an asbestos consultant or hygienist, ask that he or she disclose any such ties.
California licenses asbestos abatement contractors, who must have at least one key employee pass a certification exam. Abatement contractors must also register with Cal-OSHA, the job safety agency, giving proof of worker training and safety equipment.
A list of abatement contractors in good standing can be obtained by writing the Contractors State License Board, Asbestos Information, Box 26000, Sacramento 95826. A list of Cal-OSHA-registered contractors can be obtained from the Carcinogen Unit, California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, Box 603, San Francisco 94101, or by calling (415) 557-2037.
The contractor license and Cal-OSHA registration aren’t guarantees of quality work. The skill, care and training of asbestos abatement crews varies considerably. Before hiring an abatement contractor, check with prior customers.
The EPA and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission can answer questions and provide free brochures on asbestos in the home. Write the U.S. EPA Information Center, 215 Fremont St., San Francisco 94105, or call (415) 974-8076. Call the Consumer Product Safety Commission at (213) 251-7464.
