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Asbestos is a mineral fiber that
has been used in a variety of household and building materials. It has been
shown to cause lung and stomach cancer in people exposed to its microscopic
fibers. Asbestos, when disturbed, is easily inhaled and ingested. Once inhaled,
the tiny fibers stay lodged inside your body tissue, increasing your chance of
developing serious illnesses. Experts say no level of exposure to asbestos is
safe.
Asbestos has been used in products for fire protection,
insulation, and increased strength. Asbestos can be found in various types of:
Vinyl floor tiles and sheet flooring
,
patching compounds and textured paints,
ceiling acoustical material,
stove and furnace insulations and door gaskets,
pipe insulation,
wall and ceiling insulations,
and roofing, shingles and siding.
Use of asbestos in building materials was common between the
1920's and 1980's. It's use has declined since the 1970's.
NEVER remove or repair asbestos-containing
materials yourself! Dangerous asbestos fibers are released into the air when the
material is banged, rubbed, handled or taken apart. It is especially important
that you do not dust, sweep or vacuum particles suspected of containing
asbestos. This should only be done by trained asbestos
contractors. If you think your home may contain asbestos-based products, contact
Healthy Homes for an evaluation.
When selecting an asbestos removal contractor. ask the
following questions
- Are you certified? (ask to see the certificate)
- Have you and your workers been trained?
- Do you have experience removing asbestos from homes?
- Will you provide a list of references of people for whom
you have worked with asbestos?
- Will you provide a list of places where you have worked
with asbestos?
- Will you use the "wet method" (water and
detergent)?
- Will you use poolyethylene plastic barriers to contain
dust?
- Will you use a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner?
- Will your workers wear approved respirators?
- Will you properly dispose of the asbestos and leave the
site free of asbestos dust and debris?
- Will the contractor provide a written contract specifying
these procedures?
Of interest:
Canadian made vermiculite can contain as much as 5%
asbestos. |
