7 QUESTIONS ABOUT ASBESTOS IN THE WORKPLACE

1. What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral fiber. It can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope. There are several types of asbestos fibers. In the past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance.

2. How Can Asbestos Affect A Person’s 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;
• mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the chest and the abdominal cavity; and
• asbestosis, in which the lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue.

The risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma increases with the number of fibers inhaled. The risk of lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibers is also greater if you smoke. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.

3. Where Is Asbestos Likely to Be Found At Your Workplace?

Asbestos is most commonly used in the workplace as insulation and in building materials. It has also been used in floor and ceiling tile, cement asbestos pipe, corrugated paper pipe wrap, acoustical and decorative insulation, pipe and boiler insulation, and spray-applied fireproofing. The fluffy white substance you may find above a dropped ceiling, for ex- ample, is one type of spray-applied material. The amount of asbestos in these products varies widely, from less than 1 to 100 percent, depending on the use. Pipe and boiler insulation typically contains more asbestos than other building materials. The precise amount of asbestos in a product cannot always be determined from labels – since most products used in the past were not labeled – or by asking the manufacturer. Instead, positive identification of asbestos requires analysis of samples by a qualified laboratory.

4. When Is Asbestos a Problem?

Asbestos materials can become hazardous when, due to damage or deterioration over time, they release fibers. If the fibers are inhaled, they can lead to health problems.

The potential for an asbestos- containing material to release fibers depends primarily on its condition. If the material, when dry, can be crumbled by hand pressure – a condition known as “friable” – it is more likely to release fibers, particu­larly when damaged. The fluffy spray-applied asbestos fireproofing material is generally considered “friable.” Pipe and boiler insulation materials can also be “friable,” but they often are enclosed in a protective casing which prevents fiber release unless the casing is damaged. Some materials, which are considered “nonfriable,” such as vinyl-asbestos floor tile, can also release fibers when sanded, sawed or otherwise disturbed. Materials such as asbestos cement pipe can release asbestos fibers if they are broken or crushed when buildings are demolished, renovated or repaired.

5.  Under California Law, Should Employers Notify Employees if Asbestos Containing Material Are Located At The Workplace?

Yes. Under California Law, the owner of any building constructed prior to 1979, who knows that the building contains asbestos-containing construction materials, shall provide notice to all employees of that owner working within the building concerning all of the following:

(1) The existence of, conclusions from, and a description or list of the contents of, any survey known to the owner conducted to determine the existence and location of asbestos-containing construction materials within the building, and information

describing when and where the results of the survey are available.

(2) Specific locations within the building known to the owner, or identified in a survey known to the owner, where asbestos-containing construction materials are present in any quantity.

(3) General procedures and handling restrictions necessary to prevent, and, if appropriate, to minimize disturbance, release, and exposure to the asbestos. If detailed handling instructions are necessary to ensure employee safety, the notice required by this

section shall indicate where those instructions can be found.

(4) A summary of the results of any bulk sample analysis, or air monitoring, or monitoring conducted pursuant to Section 5208 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations, conducted for or by the owner or within the owner’s control, including reference to sampling and laboratory procedures utilized, and information describing when and where the specific monitoring data and sampling procedures.

(5) Potential health risks or impacts that may result from exposure to the asbestos in the building as identified in surveys or tests referred to in this section, or otherwise known to the owner.

(6) Pursuant to California Occupation Health and Safety Code section 25915.2., this notice shall be provided in writing to each individual employee within 15 days of the first receipt by the owner of information identifying the presence or location of asbestos-containing construction materials in the building. This notice shall be provided annually to employees thereafter.

6. What Are the Proper Methods for Managing Asbestos?

The law rarely requires the removal of asbestos materials.

Proper asbestos management begins with a comprehensive inspection by qualified, trained and experienced inspectors, accredited through an EPA or state-approved training course. Inspecting the condition of asbestos materials – initially with accredited inspectors and at least semi- annually with trained custodial or maintenance staff – is extremely important so that changes in the material’s condition, such as damage or deterioration, can be detected and corrected before the condition worsens. Sometimes normal school or maintenance activities can damage asbestos material and cause fiber release, particularly if the material is “friable.” A thorough initial inspection and regular surveillance can prevent accidental exposure to high levels of asbestos fibers.

The methods in legal terminology, are asbestos “response actions.” The last three methods of response actions – encapsulation, enclosure, and removal – and sometimes the second method – repair – must be done by accredited asbestos professionals.

7. Where Can I Get More Information?

You can call the Cal/OSHA Asbestos Consultants Unit 916-574-2993