Asbestos and Health
Overview
Background on asbestos Uses of asbestos Health Effects Risk factors Medical tests Proper handling Standards/ guidelines
What is Asbestos?
Mineral Fibrous White/grey Indestructible
Fireproof
How Long Has it Been a Problem?
Early Greek miners wore face masks from animal bladders Insurers stopped selling insurance in 1915 Cancer cases in 1930’s Asbestos industry withheld information Selikoff studies in 1960’s Banning of some uses in 1980’s
Uses of Asbestos
Fireproofing of Heat
buildings
insulation Strengthen building materials
Products that can contain asbestos
Spray
insulation Pipecovering Asbestos cloth Cements, mastic, sealants Roofing materials Floor & ceiling tiles Plaster & taping compound
Hazards of Asbestos
Harmful
only when breathed in (maybe when swallowed) Fiber shape: long, thin Travels in air, gets deep in lungs Sharp shape gets stuck in lungs Doesn’t break down
Asbestos Diseases
Asbestosis Pleural Cancer
Lung Mesothelioma
G-I
Plaques
Tract
Asbestos Diseases
No
completely safe levels Higher the exposure, higher the risk Low exposures have low risk Everyone exposed to asbestos Lag time (latency) of 10-40 years No acute effects
Asbestosis
Not cancer
Scarring of lungs From high exposures Causes shortness of breath
Pleural Plaques
Scars on lungs Shows up on x-rays Marker of asbestos exposure Half of heavily exposed will have “Not a disease”: no symptoms
Does not change into cancer Legally considered a disease
Lung cancer
Most common problem with asbestos Heavily exposed workers have 5-7 times increased risk over lifetime About same level of risk as a pack a day cigarette smoking Interacts with cigarettes: 50-90 times increased risk for both combined Quitting smoking reduces risk
Other Cancers
Mesothelioma
of lining of the lungs Only caused by asbestos Smoking not a risk factor
G-I
Cancer
tract cancer
2-3
times increased risk for heavily exposed
Medical tests
Physical History X-rays Lung
function tests
What is Risk?
Studies are from heavily exposed asbestos workers Construction trades working with asbestos have 1/4 or less risk than asbestos workers Chemical plant maintenance has about 1/8 Other maintenance workers are much lower Asbestos has been phased out & removed in many areas
Safe handling of asbestos
Find out where the asbestos is Management plan Remove if needed by licensed contractors Only dangerous if is in the air
may be more dangerous than leaving If is bound in material (tiles, etc) is not a hazard
Removal
Should be labeled if left in place
“Safe” handling of asbestos
No absolutely safe exposure Wet methods HEPA vacuums and respirators Never dry sweep or compressed air Stays in air for days Small fibers can’t be seen “Friable” asbestos means it can be crumbled
Maintenance & asbestos
Do not drill, sand, or saw asbestos materials Wet mop rather than dry sweep or dust Do not use a regular vacuum: only HEPA Do not disturb asbestos materials If use a face mask, only HEPA If are air filters, use wet methods, do not shake
Training/ removal
Removal by certified contractors
Enclosures,
ventilation, wet methods, HEPA Glove bags, wetting agents, signs
Encapsulation Training needed based on level of exposure Level 4 for clean up of asbestos containing materials Proper disposal while still wet; labeled bags
Regulations
EPA regulations on removal OSHA Standard for general industry or construction State licensing for asbestos removal Workers’ compensation Reporting of suspected occupational diseases
EPA: Control of Asbestos in Buildings
Survey to see if asbestos is present Operations and Management Program Assess the asbestos Abatement if needed
Survey
Appoint manager & team Check building records Locate & document all asbestos in records Inspect for friable Collect & test samples Document
Operations and Maintenance
Contact building managers & maintainers Educate employees and occupants Train custodians/ maintainers Clean using HEPA & wet methods; regular basis Special precautions for construction work Inspect twice a year Continue program until all asbestos removed
Assess Asbestos
Assess
current conditions and chances of disturbance Determine
Need
for further action When it needs to be done What abatement methods to use
Conduct Abatement if Needed
Hire
To
contractor:
select:
contract Check references Interview Insurance Best, not low bid
Precise
Managing Abatement
Inspect 4 times a day Containment barrier Coveralls & respirators Changing & decontamination facilities Stop work if problem Release only when Cleaned at least twice Visual test Airborne asbestos test
OSHA Standard
Applies if over maximum exposure Maximum of 0.2 fibers per cc of air (8 hour) Maximum of 1 fiber per cc (30 minute) Exposure monitoring if above action level (0.1 fiber per cc) Engineering controls where feasible Proper respirators
OSHA Standard (2)
Regulated Labels
areas
for 30 years Protective clothing Change rooms & showers Medical Exams
Recordkeeping