United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of
Public Affairs (A-107)
Washington DC 20460
A-107/86-002
Third Revision
May 1986
&EPA
Asbestos Fact Book
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Dear Reader:
Background
Asbestos is everybody's problem. It poses an
environmental problem that in one form or
another confronts every community in the
nation. This Asbestos Fact Book describes many
of the public health issues involving asbestos,
and what EPA and others in government are
doing to address them.
Asbestos is associated with several serious and
often debilitating health problems. Most public
concern is understandably focused on the effects
to children who are exposed to asbestos in
schools. But asbestos is a potential danger for
anyone who is directly exposed to it, whether
such exposure takes place in the home or the
workplace. This is one reason we have added a
section outlining basic precautions that should
be taken by any person who works with or in the
vicinity of asbestos.
The challenges of removing or abating asbestos
contamination are complex and formidable, but
Federal, state and local governments, with the
help of concerned citizens and community
leaders, are beginning to make encouraging
progress. I feel certain this progress will
continue in the years ahead.
This fact book includes addresses and
telephone numbers of several EPA offices
responsible for asbestos-related activities in
Washington and our regional offices. Please
contact any of these sources directly if you have
further questions about asbestos or the
information in this book.
Sincerely,
M. Thomas
Administrator
Contents
Background
Description of Asbestos 2
Identifying Asbestos 2
Health Concerns 2
Federal Regulatory Program 3
Key Issues
Asbestos in Schools 4
Asbestos in Buildings 4
Asbestos in Homes 5
Safety Guidelines 6
Asbestos in Motor Vehicle Brakes 6
Asbestos Wastes 7
Other EPA Efforts
Asbestos Action Program 8
Asbestos Information Centers 8
Contractor Certification Program 8
Worker Protection Standards 9
Appendices
Chronology of Major Federal Actions 10
Information Material-? 11
Asbestos and NESHAP Contacts Back Cover
Description
of Asbestos
Asbestos is the name for a
group of natural minerals
that separate into strong,
very fine fibers. The fibers are
heat-resistant and extremely
durable, and these qualities
have made asbestos very
useful in construction and
industry. Although there are
several different types of
asbestos, nearly 95 percent of
all asbestos used in
commercial products today is
a type called chrysotile.
The potential of an
asbestos-containing product
to release fibers is dependent
upon several factors including
its location and its degree of
friability. Friable means that
it can be crumbled with hand
pressure and. therefore, is
likely to emit fibers when
disturbed. The fibrous or
fluffy spray-applied asbestos
materials found in many
buildings for fireproofing,
insulating, or decorative
purposes are generally
considered friable. Some
materials, such as vinyl floor
tiles are likely to emit fewer
airborne fibers unless
subjected to sanding or
cutting operations.
Between 1900 and 1980,
some 30 million tons of
asbestos were put in place.
Since the 1970s, however,
asbestos use has declined
significantly. The United
States now mines and
processes about 200,000 tons
of asbestos every year into
hundreds of different
products.
Identifying
Asbestos
Asbestos has been used in a
variety of forms. It has been
sprayed or trowelled on
ceilings, beams, walls, and
other structural components
of buildings. It was used for
thermal, acoustical, and
decorative purposes, and to
insulate boilers and pipes, as
well as many other
construction materials and
appliances. It is best to
assume that a product does
contain asbestos if this
cannot be determined from
the label, the installer, or the
manufacturer. EPA has a
toll-free number where people
can find the names of
laboratories qualified to test
and analyze samples for
asbestos (800-334-8571 ext.
6741).
Health
Concerns
The physical properties that
give asbestos its resistance to
heat and decay are linked
with several adverse human
health effects. Asbestos tends
to break into a dust of
microscopic fibers. Because of
their size and shape, these
tiny fibers can remain
suspended in the air for long
periods of time and can easily
penetrate body tissues when
inhaled. Because of their
durability, these fibers can
remain in the body for many
years.
Asbestos is known to cause
asbestosis and various forms
of cancer. Asbestosis is a
chronic disease of the lungs
which makes breathing
progressively more difficult,
and can lead to death.
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Cancer can result from
breathing asbestos fibers.
Lung cancer, the most
frequently seen
asbestos-caused disease, is
apparently made much more
likely by smoking. Breathing
asbestos also can cause
mesothelioma, a cancer of
the chest and abdominal
membranes. Mesothelioma
almost never occurs without
exposure to asbestos, and is
currently incurable. Other
cancers, primarily of the
digestive tract, also have been
associated with exposure to
asbestos.
These diseases have a long
latency period — that is, they
don't show up until 20 to 40
years after exposure. Right
now, for example, we are
seeing the results of exposure
that occurred among asbestos
workers during World War II.
Some people who have been
exposed even to very low
levels of asbestos for very
brief periods have later
contracted mesothelioma.
Because asbestos fibers
remain in the body, each
exposure increases the
likelihood of developing an
asbestos-related disease.
Federal
Regulatory Program
Over the last ten years, the
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and several
other federal agencies have
acted to prevent unnecessary
exposure to asbestos by
prohibiting some uses and by
setting exposure standards in
the workplace. Now the
government is also acting to
limit exposure to the public
at large.
Five agencies have major
authority to regulate
asbestos.
The Occupational Safety
and Health Administration
(OSHA) sets limits for worker
exposure on the job.
The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) is
responsible for preventing
asbestos contamination in
food, drugs, and cosmetics.
The Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC)
regulates asbestos in
consumer products. It already
has banned the use of
asbestos in dry-wall patching
compounds, ceramic logs,
and clothing. The CPSC is
now studying the extent of
asbestos use in consumer
products generally, and is
considering a ban on all
non-essential product uses
that can result in the release
of asbestos fibers.
The Mine Safety and
Health Administration
(MSHA) regulates mining and
milling of asbestos.
The Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA)
regulates the use and
disposal of toxic substances
in air, water, and land. The
effects of cumulative exposure
to asbestos have been
established by dozens of
epidemiological studies. In
addition, EPA has issued
standards for handling and
disposing of asbestos-
containing wastes.
Through the National
Emissions Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants
(NESHAP) program, EPA
regulates emissions from
asbestos mills and from
various manufacturing and
fabricating operations,
regulates the use of asbestos
in roadway surfacing and in
insulation materials, and has
banned most uses of sprayed
asbestos materials. These
standards also require
specific work practices to be
used during demolition and
renovation operations
involving asbestos materials
and regulate asbestos waste
disposal to prevent visible
emissions.
EPA has a program to help
abate asbestos exposure in
schools. Since 1982, when
EPA issued the
Asbestos-In-Schools
Identification and Notification
Rule, the Agency has required
all local education agencies to
inspect for friable asbestos
materials; to notify parents
and teachers if such
materials are found; to place
warning signs in schools
where asbestos is found; and
to keep accurate records of
their actions to eliminate the
problem.
Congress passed the
Asbestos School Hazard
Abatement Act of 1984 to
help those schools with the
most serious hazards and the
greatest financial need. The
Act gives EPA the
responsibility for providing
both financial and technical
assistance to local education
agencies. Financial
assistance, which Congress
must appropriate each year,
is in the form of grants and
loans to schools. These funds
will be allocated on the basis
of the financial resources of
the requesting educational
agencies; the degree of
asbestos exposure; and the
efficiency and cost
effectiveness of the proposed
abatement techniques.
EPA offers technical
assistance and guidance on
asbestos. Under the TAP
(Technical Assistance
Program), each of the
agency's ten regions has a
Regional Asbestos
Coordinator (see back
cover) backed up by a staff of
technical experts . Since
1979, the program has
provided advice to thousands
of school officials and
building owners.
EPA has also published
several guidance documents
that provide state-of-the art
guidance on how to identify
and control friable asbestos-
containing materials (see
page 11). In addition, the
Agency is beginning the
operation of several new
programs. These include:
• Contractor certification.
• Asbestos information and
training centers.
• Rules to provide worker
protection during asbestos
abatement activities.
• Expanded technical
assistance materials.
The details of these
programs are covered in the
sections that follow.
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Key Issues
Asbestos in
Schools
Since 1979, EPA has operated
a Technical Assistance
Program to help schools
identify and control airborne
asbestos to safeguard the
health of an estimated 15
million children and 1.4
million school workers in
schools containing friable
asbestos. The mere presence
of asbestos, however, does
not necessarily represent a
significant health risk in
schools or other buildings.
Asbestos poses a more
serious threat when the fibers
escape into the air and are
inhaled.
EPA has not set an overall
standard for asbestos in
schools as such, since
conditions and problems
must be addressed for each
school. The Agency has
concluded that each school
should be handled on a
case-by-case basis to
determine the extent of the
problems and the best ways
for resolving them
expeditiously. Removing
asbestos is not always the
safest or most feasible
approach.
Abatement and Handling
Techniques: Four alternative
abatement techniques or
options are currently used to
prevent or reduce the release
of asbestos fibers in schools
and other buildings. They
include:
an operations and
maintenance pZan involving
periodic reinspection of
asbestos-containing materials
which are in good condition.
This is the best alternative for
. undamaged materials.
encapsulation, which
involves sealing asbestos with
tape or other sealants to
prevent the release of friable
materials.
enclosure by dropping
ceilings or installing new
walls to cover asbestos.
remouaf of the asbestos by
trained professionals in a
manner which prevents
disturbance of asbestos fibers
or their release into the air.
All 10 EPA regional offices
have Asbestos Coordinators
to help schools deal with
asbestos problems, conduct
training seminars, and give
guidance on different
alternatives to reduce
asbestos exposure. There is a
toll-free number where callers
can get the names of
laboratories that are qualified
to test and analyze asbestos
samples (800-334-8571, ext.
6741) and another where the
general public can get
technical assistance and
documents (800-424-9065).
Inspection and
Notification Rule
In 1982, EPA issued an
Asbestos-in-Schools Rule that
required all public and
private schools to inspect
their buildings for friable
materials. The schools were
to complete this inspection by
June 28, 1983. The Rule also
required these schools to take
samples and have them
analyzed for asbestos content,
keep records of these
transactions, and notify
employees and parents if
asbestos was found.
School
Survey
During January 1984, EPA
completed a survey of public
school districts and private
schools to determine
compliance with the
Asbestos-In-Schools Rule.
("Evaluation of the
Asbestos-in-Schools
Identification and Notification
Rule" EPA 560/5-84-005
October, 1984.) This survey
showed that one third of U.S.
schools have asbestos
problems, and that two-thirds
of these have either acted
to correct the problem or are
in the process of voluntarily
correcting it. Other results
from the Survey showed that
93 percent of U.S. schools
had been inspected as of
January 1, 1984, and that
eleven percent were In full
compliance with all the
requirements of the
EPA Rule. 34 percent were in
compliance with most aspects
the Rule. (Additional schools
may now be in compliance.)
As of January 9, 1985. EPA
had issued 404 civil
complaints nationwide,
assessing school districts a
total of $5,815,940 for
non-compliance.
Asbestos School
Hazard Abatement Act
Congress passed the Asbestos
School Hazard Abatement Act
in August 1984, to assist
those schools with the most
serious asbestos exposure
problems and financial need.
The Act authorized
expenditures of $50 million
for the program in 1985, and
$100 million per year for each
of the next five years.
Congress must make
individual appropriations for
each year of the program.
Non-interest loans,
repayable over 20 years, may
be awarded for up to 100
percent of an abatement
project. Grants may be
awarded for up to 50 percent
of the cost of a project. Some
schools may qualify for both a
grant and a loan.
Applications are mailed to
school districts and are then
forwarded to Governors. The
Governors submit priority
lists of candidates to EPA.
Eligibility for funding is
then reviewed by EPA based
on the seriousness of the
asbestos hazard and the
financial need of the school.
In the 1985 award cycle,
198 school districts received
funds to complete 417
abatement projects.
EPA specialists are available
at the toll-free number
800-424-9065 to answer
questions about the program.
Asbestos
in Buildings
Asbestos was once considered
a health risk only for asbestos
workers. It is now known to
be a potential hazard to all
who are exposed to asbestos
fibers in the air they breathe.
Sources of potential
exposure to asbestos fibers
from asbestos-containing
friable materials include
those materials sprayed or
trowelled onto ceilings,
rafters, beams and other
structural building parts for
fireproofing, insulation,
sound-deadening or
decoration, or used as pipe
and boiler insulation. Friable
materials are those that can
be crumbled, pulverized or
reduced to powder by hand
pressure.
Asbestos-in-Building
Survey
EPA conducted a national
survey ("Asbestos in
Buildings: A National Survey
of Asbestos-Containing
Friable Materials" EPA
560/5-84-006 October,
1984) to determine the extent
of asbestos-containing friable
material in buildings. The
primary objective of the
survey was to generate valid
national estimates of the
number of buildings that
have asbestos-containing
materials and to integrate the
results of the survey in
planning the agency's
asbestos program.
Major
Findings
There are 3.5 million
buildings in the United States
that are included in one of
three classes; Federal
Government buildings;
private non-residential
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buildings; and residential
apartments. About 733,000 of
these buildings (20 percent)
contain friable asbestos.
It Is estimated that there
are 1.2 billion square feet of
sprayed-on or trowelled-on
asbestos materials, with an
average asbestos content of
14 percent, in 192,000
buildings. Buildings built
since the 1950s are more
likely to have these materials
than other buildings. About
563,000 buildings are
estimated to have ' v
asbestos-containing pipe and '
boiler insulation with an
average asbestos content of
70 percent.
Buildings
Surveyed
Inspection teams conducted
extensive inspections of 231
buildings which were a
statistically representative
sample of the 3.5 million
buildings in the three classes
of buildings noted above
(Federal government
buildings, private
non-residential buildings and
residential apartments). The
study was conducted in 10
sites (cities or groups of
counties) chosen to represent
the continental U.S. They
were in the vicinities of New
Brunswick, NJ; Chicago, IL;
Los Angeles, CA; Phoenix, AZ;
Kansas City, MO; Darlington
Co., SC: Reno Co., KS; New
York, NY; Oklahoma City, OK;
and Houston, TX.
Asbestos
in Homes
Where is Asbestos
Used in the Home?
Asbestos has been Used in a
wide variety of products for
four basic reasons: (1) to
strengthen the product
material; (2) for thermal
insulation within a product;
(3) for thermal or acoustical
insulation or decoration on
exposed surfaces; and (4) for
fire protection.
Vinyl floor tiles and flooring:
Asbestos fibers can be
released if the tiles are
sanded or seriously damaged
or if the backing on the sheet
flooring is dry-scraped or
sanded or if the tiles are
severely worn or cut to fit into
place. Rather than removing
them, the flooring should be
covered by new material.
Patching compound and
textured paints: The use of
asbestos in these products
was banned in 1975. Any old
products should be discarded.
Sanding or scraping old
material can release asbestos
fibers. To repair damaged
material. Safety Guidelines
(see next section) should be
followed.
Friable Ceilings: Buildings
built or remodeled between
1945 and 1978 may contain
crumbly, asbestos-laden
material in the ceilings.
Trained contractors should be
hired to remove it or
encapsulate the material with
a coating.
Stoves and furnaces: Cement
sheet material around stoves
probably will not release
asbestos fibers unless :
scraped. Paper or millboard
poses greater hazards and
should be handled according
to the safety guidelines.
Furnace insulation should be
replaced if it is in poor
condition with pieces
breaking off. The Safety
Guidelines (see next section)
suggest the proper
procedures.
Walls and pipes: If insulation
around pipes dated from
1920 to 1972 is damaged, it
is advisable to replace jacket
materials. Wall and ceiling
insulation installed between
1930 and 195O may contain
asbestos and, in major
renovations or demolitions,
should only be handled by
trained contractors.
Appliances: Unless broken or
misused, most appliances
with asbestos are safe to use.
Unsafe models have been
withdrawn voluntarily from
the market by the
manufacturers.
Roofing, shingles and siding:
Asbestos was used as a
binding agent with portland
cement In some materials. If
it is worn, it may be spray
painted to seal in the fibers.
To repair or replace it, the
Safety Guidelines should be
followed.
product, whether or not the
product contains asbestos.
People who have frequently
worked with asbestos (such
as plumbers, building
contractors, or heating
contractors) often are able to
make a reasonable judgment
about whether or not a
material contains asbestos
based on a visual inspection.
If I Find Asbestos in My
Home,
What Should I Do?
In most cases, asbestos-
containing materials do not
need to be removed. They
should be periodically
inspected for signs of damage
or deterioration and repaired
as necessary. When it is
necessary to use or work with
asbestos-containing
materials, reduce your
exposure to fibers as much as
possible. To help you do this,
follow the general Safety
Guidelines on the next page.
Get help from a contractor
who is either certified or
trained and experienced in
working with asbestos. Be
sure the contractor Is familiar
with and follows the
guidelines for handling
asbestos-containing
materials. In general, home
repair contractors are NOT
experienced in the proper
procedures for handling
asbestos. (See information
about "Asbestos in the Home"
booklet on page 11.)
How Can I Tell iff I Have
Asbestos in My Home?
The manufacturer of a
product may be able to tell
you, based on the model
number and age of the
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Safety
Guidelines
If you think that a material
contains asbestos, and you
have to disturb it, handle it
very carefully. Special
precautions should be taken
during removal or
encapsulation of exposed or
damaged asbestos-containing
material. If possible, find a
contractor trained in safe
procedures for handling
asbestos. The contractor
should follow these basic
precautions:
1. Do not disturb any
material you think may
contain asbestos unless you
have to. Removal of the
material is usually the last
alternative.
2. Seal off the work area from
the rest of the residence.
Plastic sheeting and duct tape
may be used. Take great care
not to track asbestos dust
into other areas of the
residence.
3. Always wear a NIOSH
approved respirator. Wear a
mask, protective gloves, hats,
and other protective clothing.
Properly dispose of all this
equipment immediately after
using it. If you cannot
dispose of your clothing,
wash it separately from the
family's wash.
4. When working with
asbestos-containing material,
wet it with a hand sprayer.
The sprayer should provide a
fine mist, and the material
should be thoroughly
dampened, but not dripping
wet. Wet fibers do not float in
the air as readily as dry fibers
and will be easier to clean up.
The addition of a small
amount (about a teaspoon to
a quart of water) of a
low-sudsing dish or laundry
detergent will improve the
penetration of the water into
the material and reduce the
amount of water needed.
5. If you must drill or cut an
asbestos-containing material,
wet the material first (see
item 4. above).
6. If you must remove the
material, avoid breaking it
into small pieces. While it is
easier to remove and handle
small pieces, you are more
likely to release asbestos
fibers. Pipe insulation was
usually installed in preformed
blocks; remove these in
complete pieces.
7. EPA has regulations
concerning asbestos disposal.
Place any material you remove
and any debris from the work
in plastic trash bags and
dispose of it in a proper
landfill. Call your health
department for instructions
about how to dispose of this.
Take care not to break the
bag.
8. After you finish removing
the material, thoroughly clean
the area with wet mops, wet
rags, or sponges. Repeat the
cleaning procedure a second
time. Wetting will help to
reduce the chance that the
fibers get spread around.
Again, see that no asbestos
material is tracked into other
areas. If possible, dispose of
the mop heads, rags, and
sponges in the trash bags
with the removed materials.
Otherwise, vigorously flush
the mop, rag, or sponge in
running water in a sink or
basin with a drain. Make sure
to completely rinse both the
utensil and the basin. For
further guidance, consult
"Guidance for Controlling
Asbestos-Containing
Materials in Buildings" EPA
560/5-85-024 June, 1985.
9. If you are going to have
work done by a contractor,
discuss these guidelines and
other steps to minimize
asbestos exposure. (See
"Asbestos Waste Management
Guidance," EPA
530-SW-85-007 May, 1985,
page 11.)
CAUTION: Do not dust,
sweep, or vacuum particles
suspected of containing
asbestos. This disturbs tiny
asbestos fibers and may
make them airborne. The
fibers are so small that they
cannot be seen and can
pass through normal
vacuum cleaner filters and
get back into the air. The
dust should be removed by a
wet-mopping procedure or
by specially-designed
vacuum cleaners used by
trained asbestos
contractors.
Asbestos in
Motor Vehicle
Brakes
Asbestos is widely used in
motor vehicle brakes. People
who perform brake work are
potentially exposed to high
levels of asbestos during
cleaning and other activities.
EPA has established a Brake
Mechanic Education Program
to provide information on
asbestos and its control to
vocational/technical students,
working mechanics, and
brake repair and
maintenance specialists. The
program will alert these
specialists to the presence of
asbestos in brakes, and to
methods that will minimize
the release of asbestos fiber
in garages.
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Asbestos
Wastes
EPA and other federal
agencies have specific
regulations in place regarding
asbestos wastes. They cover a
period that ranges from the
time the wastes are generated
to their disposal at a
receiving facility.
Generation of
Asbestos Wastes
Asbestos-containing wastes
are generated by a variety of
processes that include:
Milling: These operations
generate large quantities of
residual asbestos rocks and
tailings. EPA regulations
require that these wastes be
handled in such a way as to
prevent any visible dust
emissions. Controls range
from wetting down wastes,
using exhaust ventilation
systems during mining and
milling operations, and
decontaminating equipment
that controls or comes into
contact with the wastes.
Manufacturing and
Fabricating: Asbestos
products are manufactured
by combining the milled
asbestos with binders, fillers,
and other materials. The
resultant mixture is typically
molded, formed or sprayed
and subsequently cured or
dried. Manufactured products
may then be fabricated for
specific uses by another
manufacturer, the installer of
the product, or the consumer.
EPA requires a variety of
controls on these wastes.
These range from controlling
emissions of waste dust.
special handling procedures,
and warning labels on the
proper disposal of the
product.
Removal Operations: A
significant quantity of
asbestos-containing wastes
may be generated during the
removal of friable asbestos
materials from buildings.
There are several EPA
regulations governing these
removal actions. All friable
asbestos materials must be
removed prior to any
demolition. Removal also is
required before the start of
any renovation that would
disturb the asbestos. EPA
and OSHA require several
actions during a removal
activity. These include
enclosing the wrork areas with
barriers, and the installation
of air filters and work
shower/decontamination
facilities. All wastes must be
wetted to prevent visible
emissions. They must also be
containerized and properly
labeled. Cleanup of all debris
following a removal operation
is also required.
Transport of
Asbestos Wastes
Transportation begins at the
time wastes are hauled away
from a generation site and
ends when the wastes are
actually delivered and
unloaded at a disposal site.
EPA regulations state only
that no visible emissions of
the asbestos wastes may
occur during transport
although several other
safeguards are also
recommended that include:
Recordkeeping:A
"chain-of-custody" form that
is passed from the generator
to the transporter, and
ultimately to the person
receiving the wastes at a
disposal site.
Containers: The use of
properly labeled, leak-tight
containers for transporting
the wastes and instructions
on how to handle the wastes
during transport.
Vehicles: Options, such as
using enclosed carrying
compartments or canvas to
cover wastes, are
recommended for vehicles
carrying wastes.
Disposal of
Asbestos Wastes
There are EPA regulations
governing the disposal of
asbestos wastes at active and
inactive disposal sites that
include:
Site Selection: There must be
no visible dust emissions
from the site during disposal
and a thick covering (at least
six inches) of non-asbestos
material must be placed over
the wastes within 24 hours.
Many States and localities
have programs for approving
and licensing asbestos
disposal sites.
Receiving Wastes: A waste
hauler must notify a landfill
of any load containing
asbestos wastes and the load
must be inspected by the
landfill operator to ensure the
wastes are in leak-proof
containers and are labeled
properly. The landfill operator
also is to notify EPA of any
suspected fiber releases
during disposal. If the wastes
are not in proper containers,
the landfill operator must
keep the wastes wet until
they can be covered with a
non-asbestos material.
Site Requirements: A facility
must establish clearly
designated areas and
trenches for the disposal of
asbestos wastes and
safeguards must be instituted
to cover the wastes and avoid
breakage of the containers. In
addition, a 30-inch cover of
non-asbestos material must
be added to the 6-inch cover
(put on to prevent dust
emissions) before the final
closure of an area containing
asbestos wastes. Proper
grading and vegetation must
be added to prevent erosion of
the wastes.
Other Requirements: EPA
also requires other actions to
control public access to site
areas containing asbestos
wastes and requires that
facilities provide for proper
recordkeeping of asbestos
wastes. (See "Asbestos Waste
Management Guidance." page
11.)
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Other EPA Efforts
Asbestos Action
Program
The Asbestos Action Program,
which was established within
EPA's Office of Pesticides and
Toxic Substances in
December 1984, directs and
implements all of EPA's
nonregulatory asbestos
activities.
The program develops '
guidelines and procedures for
dealing with asbestos
problems, runs a variety of
technical and public
information programs, and
manages and coordinates
asbestos-related activities
within EPA and with other
government and
non-government
organizations.
The program staff also will:
• Establish information and
training centers.
• Establish contractor
certification programs.
• Develop guidelines to
identify the most serious
asbestos risks in buildings.
• Provide assistance to
citizens, contractors and
others on locating asbestos,
recommending abatement
actions, and existing health
effects data.
• Implement the Asbestos
School Hazard Abatement Act
of 1984, which calls for EPA
to provide grants or loans to
schools with the most serious
asbestos problems that are in
the most severe financial
need.
• Provide guidance to local
school agencies and States in
completing loan/grant
applications.
• Coordinate and administer,
within EPA and the
Department of Education, the
review of loan/grant
applications, and the award
of funds.
• Work with the Consumer
Product Safety Commission
regarding asbestos in homes,
and other Federal Agencies on
asbestos-related programs.
• Chair the Federal Asbestos
Task Force.
• Develop public information
materials.
• Coordinate the asbestos
programs within EPA.
More detailed information
about these particular
projects is included in this
section.
Asbestos
Information
Centers
EPA has established three
Asbestos Information and
Training Centers and will
open two additional centers
in the spring of 1986. The
purpose of the centers is to
provide information to the
public on how to identify and
abate asbestos hazards and to
educate and train people in
proper asbestos identification
and abatement techniques.
The centers in the future,
may also serve as
clearinghouses, and will
distribute general
information, guidance
documents, and audiovisual
materials.
The three original centers
are located at the Georgia
Institute of Technology
(Atlanta, Georgia), the
University of Kansas (Kansas
City, Kansas), and Tufts
University (Medford,
Massachusetts). These
centers opened in the spring
of 1985. The two additional
centers will be located at the
University of California at
Berkeley and the University of
Illinois in Chicago.
The centers will sponsor
technical symposia and
conferences to train people
involved in various aspects of
asbestos abatement. Three
types of training courses are
offered at each center — a
one-day general awareness
course geared toward the
general public (teachers,
parents, etc.), an abatement
course for decisionmakers
(building owners and
managers who must make
abatement decisions) to
discuss methods for
identifying and controlling
friable asbestos-containing
materials, and a three to five
day course designed to
provide classroom as well as
"hands-on" training for
workers and supervisors who
are involved in asbestos
abatement projects. Target
audiences include architects,
maintenance personnel,
school officials, and
abatement contractors. These
centers have been very
successful. In addition to
these centers, EPA will award
training grants to four
universities to conduct
contractor training courses
for various locations in the
regions.
Contractor
Certification
Program
EPA is actively encouraging
states to adopt
comprehensive asbestos
abatement contractor
licensing regulations and
abatement personnel training
programs. During 1985, EPA
developed a set of guidelines
for abatement contractor
licensing programs and a set
of guide contract
specifications for abatement
projects. These documents
were made available to the
states, and have been used by
many states in developing
their own certification
programs. The goal of the
EPA program is to insure that
abatement work is performed
by qualified professionals who
use state-of-the-art
techniques and are held
accountable for performance.
State Certification
Programs
Each State program should
include uniform certification
criteria, standardized
training courses, testing for
technical knowledge of
asbestos and abatement
practices, monitoring of
abatement job performance,
and periodic retraining
requirements.
EPA'S
Approach
EPA's Asbestos Action
Program has undertaken the
following actions to establish
a contractor certification
program:
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. o Developed a contractor
certification course.
o Developed a model State
regulation.
» Provided guidance for State
enabling legislation.
« Provided States with
materials necessary to .run ,
the certification courses.
• Developed a description of
an effective State monitoring
and oversight process. ; "
© Provided incentives for
State participation in the
program.
Grants
to States
During Fiscal Year 1985, EPA
selected 12 states to
participate in demonstration
projects to establish pilot
contractor certification
programs. Projects included
development and
implementation of state
asbestos abatement
contractor licensing
regulations, training for
abatement contractors and
personnel, and technical
assistance to schools on
asbestos-related topics.
During fiscal year 1986 an
additional 16 states will be
offered grants to develop
contractor certification and
training programs. Support
will focus on development and
implementation of
comprehensive licensing and
certification programs, as well
as training programs for ;;
abatement workers and'
supervisors.
There are regulations in effect
which protect many workers
from asbestos risks. These
regulations exist under the
U.S. Department of Labor's
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
(OSHA). Public sector workers
and workers in firms with
less than 10 employees,
however, are not uniformly
covered by these OSHA
regulations. EPA is
examining several options for
providing protection to these
workers.
These options include:
Worker Protection: EPA
approved the final Asbestos
Abatement Worker Protection
Rule on April 17, 1986. The
rule provides the same kind
of protection to these
asbestos abatement workers
that is currently provided to
workers covered by the OSHA
regulations.
Work Practices: EPA is
working with OSHA to
establish training
requirements for personnel
who take part in asbestos
abatement.
Service and Maintenance
Workers: EPA also will be
instituting a program aimed
at limiting the exposure of
building service and ,
maintenance personnel to
asbestos during normal
maintenance activities. In
addition, EPA has prepared a
document entitled "Asbestos
in Buildings, Guidance for
Service and Maintenance
Personnel," (see page 11) that
provides safety guidance for
service and maintenance
personnel who may have to
deal with asbestos in schools
and other public buildings. A
public information campaign
also will be developed that
alerts maintenance workers
about appropriate work
practices to limit their
exposure to asbestos during
normal maintenance in
buildings. This pamphlet is
also available in Spanish.
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Appendices
Chronology of
Major Federal Actions
*See Glossary for definition of acronyms used in this chronology.
OSHA
OSHA
OSHA
NIOSH
MSHA
MSHA
OSHA
OSHA
OSHA
OSHA
EPA/NESHAP
EPA/NESHAP
Occupational Standards
6/72 permanent standard: for occupational
exposure of 5 f/cc, to be lowered to 2 f/cc in
1976.
10/75 proposed lowering standard to 0.5 f/cc.
7/76 2 f/cc standard became effective.
12/76 recommended OSHA lower the standard to
0.1 f/cc.
3/76 2 f/cc standard in coal mines.
11/78 2 f/cc standard in metal and nonmetallic
mines (includes sand, gravel & crushed
stone operations.)
11/83 issued emergency temporary standard
(ETS) of 0.5 f/cc.
11/83 ETS stayed pending legal arguments by
asbestos industry.
3/84 ETS overturned in Federal District Court.
4/84 proposed lowering pesmissible exposure
level to either 0.5 or 0.2 f/cc.
EPA/NESHAP 10/75
Air Emissions
3/71 asbestos listed as a hazardous air
pollutant.
4/73 "no visible emissions" standard for milling
and manufacturing of asbestos products
and demolition of buildings — prohibited
spray application for most uses of friable
materials containing more than 1%
asbestos.
waste collection and disposal included
under the no visible emissions standard,
added several processing industries to
those already covered; renovation
operationsregulated.
EPA/NESHAP 6/78 extended provisions to cover all uses of
friable spray-on material and no visible
emissions standard to cover all friable
asbestos-containing materials during
demolition and renovation.
U.S. Supreme 1/78 decision in the Adamo Wrecking Co. case
Court ruled that EPA did not, prior to the 1977
Clean Air Act amendments, have the
authority to impose work practice
requirements, thus invalidating those
parts of the NESHAP regulations which are
not emissions standards.
EPA/NESHAP 7/83 proposed reinstatement of these
provisions.
EPA/NESHAP 4/84 provisions reinstated by promulgating
current standard.
Asbestos-in-Schools
EPA 3/79 through the OTS, EPA initiated a technical
assistance program to help schools identify
and control friable asbestos-containing
materials.
EPA/TSCA 9/79 ANPR on asbestos-containing materials in
schools.
EPA/TSCA 9/80 proposed rule on identification and
notification of friable asbestos-containing
materials in schools.
U.S. Dept of
Education
U.S. Dept of
education
EPA/TSCA
EPA/TSCA
EPA/TSCA
EPA
CPSC
EPA/TSCA
EPA/TSCA
EPA/TSCA
EPA/TSCA
EPA/FWPCA
EPA/RCRA
EPA/RCRA
DOT
FDA
FDA
9/80 under the Asbestos School Hazard
Detection and Control Act. proposed a rule
to establish a gram and loan program to
reimburse schools for detecting and
controlling friable asbestos-containing
materials in schools.
1/81 final rule — funds have not been
appropriated to conduct this program.
5/82 final rule on identification and notification
of friable asbestos-containing materials in
schools.
2/83 granted a Section 21 petition from the
Service Employees Intl Union to commence
regulatory action on schools and buildings
asbestos abatement.
2/83- granted a Section 21 petition from the
5/84 Service Employees Intl Union to commence
regulatory action on schools and buildings
asbestos abatement.
8/84 under the Asbestos School Hazard
Abatement Act of 1984, administers a loan
and grant program to help schools
eliminate asbestos hazards.
Commercial Use of Asbestos
12/77 rules prohibiting use of asbestos in
consumer patching compounds and
emberizing agents.
10/79 ANPR with CPSC announcing intent to
consider regulations of commercial uses of
asbestos.
12/79 ANPR modification.
9/80 proposed rule under Section 8(a) to require
reporting of production and exposure data
on asbestos.
7/82 final rule under Section 8(a) to require
reporting of production and exposure data
on asbestos.
Water Emissions
2/74 effluent guidelines for asbestos
manufacturing point sources and new
source performance standards.
Waste Disposal
5/80 asbestos listed as a hazardous waste in
proposed rule.
11/80 when issuing interim final rules on
portions of the disposal regulations, EPA
stated it would "temporarily defer"
promulgation of the listing of asbestos
while investigating the extent to which
NESHAP facilities afford comparable
protection.
Other Actions
8/79 rule to require controls during
transportation of friable asbestos.
3/75 rule to prevent release of asbestos from
filters used for some drugs.
1/76 rule to revoke permission to use the
electrolytic diaphragm process for salt.
10
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Information
Materials
Fact Sheets
Asbestos
General information about asbestos, its
possible health effects, ways to remedy
asbestos problems, and where to go for
help.
Asbestos in Schools
Discusses EPA's regulation requiring all
private and public schools to inspect for
asbestos, federal loans/grants available to
help schools abate asbestos problems.
methods for remedying asbestos problems,
and kinds of technical assistance EPA can
provide to schools. Includes list of EPA
Regional Asbestos Coordinators and a list
of available publications about asbestos.
Demolition and Renovation
Regulations January". 1986
Technical Documents
Guidance for Controlling
Asbestos-Containing Materials in
Buildings EPA 560/5-85-024 June 1985
This revised document provides EPA
guidance on controlling
asbestos-containing materials found in
buildings. The document (1) provides a
current summary of data on exposure to
airborne asbestos, (2) survey procedures
for determining if asbestos-containing
material is present in buildings, (3)
explains how to establish a special
operations and maintenance program in a
building found to contain asbestos. (4)
reviews technical issues confronted when
assessing the potential for exposure to
airborne asbestos, in particular indoor
settings, (5) suggests a structured process
for selecting a particular course of action.
given information on physical condition of
the asbestos, exposure levels, assessment
methods, and abatement techniques, (6)
summarizes and updates information on
applicability, effectiveness, and relative
costs of alternative remedial actions, (7)
introduces and discusses criteria for
determining successful asbestos control.
Asbestos in Buildings: Simplified
Sampling Scheme for Friable Surfacing
Materials EPA 560/5-85-029A October 1985
This simplified document provides EPA
guidance for sampling friable sprayed-on or
trowelled-on materials on ceilings, walls.
and other surfaces for asbestos. The
document furnishes advice for 1)
identifying a sampling area. 2) applying a
sampling scheme to the area. 3) determining
the number of samples to collect. 4)
deciding upon sampling locations within
the area. 5) formulating a quality
assurance program for sampling and
analysis, 6) collecting the samples. 7)
submitting the samples for analysis, and 8)
interpreting the laboratory results.
Evaluation of Asbestos Abatement
Techniques, Phase I: Removal
EPA 560/5-85-019 September 1985
Airborne asbestos levels were measured
by transmission electron miscroscopy
(TEM). scanning electron miscroscopy
(SEM) and phase constrast microscopy
(PCM) before, during and after removal of
sprayed-on acoustical plaster from the
ceilings of four suburban schools. Air
samples were collected at three types of
sites: indoor sites with asbestos-containing
material (ACM), indoor sites without ACM
(indoor control), and sites outside the
building (outdoor control). Bulk samples of
the ACM were collected prior to the removal
and analyzed by polarized light microscopy
(PLM). A vigorous quality assurance
program was applied to all aspects of the
study.
Evaluation of Asbestos Abatement
Techniques. Phase I: Removal Technical
Bulletin. Series # 1986-2
Provides a brief summary of the full
document "Evaluation of Asbestos
Abatement Techniques, Phase I: Removal.
Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schoof
Buildings: Guidance for Asbestos
Analytical Programs EPA 560/13-80-017A
December 1980
This document was developed to provide
guidance to local school officials and their
staffs in determining the presence or
absence ol asbestos in school buildings. It
describes a rigorous sampling and an liysis
scheme for bulk materials.
Asbestos in Buildings: Guidance for
Service and Maintenance Personnel
EPA 560/5-85-018 July 1985
This pamphlet is available in English
and in Spanish. It provides easy-to-read
guidance for the everyday maintenance' of
asbestos-containing materials in buildings.
Work practices are discussed.
Asbestos in Buildings Technical Builcnn:
Abatement of Asbestos-Containing Pipe-
Insulation. Series # 1986-1
This bulletin provides guidance for aoatini
asbestos-containing pipe insulation. Topics
include assessing the need for abatenu-m.
worker training and protection, work jife
preparation, minor repair to the matT-ai,
removal of insulation, replacement of Uie
material, worksite cleanup, and final
inspection.
Asbestos in the Home August. 1982
This document was prepared by EPA and
the Consumer Product Safety Commis.--ion
to help consumers understand the
potential dangers of asbestos in the home
and what to do about them.
Asbestos Waste Management Guidance
EPA 530-SW-85-007 May 1985
This document gives information on Uie
use and identification of asbestos, on ho\v
asbestos waste is generated and how to
transport and dispose of it.
Slide Show
Training Material for Use with EPA's 1985
Asbestos Guidance Document
Consists of three parts: graphic mattnals
on 35 mm slides (55 slides), a companion
set of discussion points on cards, and a
text. The presentation is designed to take
between 45 and 60 minutes and a question
and answer period is suggested as a
follow-up.
Toll-Free
Numbers
Glossary
EPA 800-334- For names of labs
8571 qualified to test and
ext 6741 analyze asbestos samples
EPA 800-424- Where general public can
9065 obtain guidance
(in D.C.) documents and technical
554-1404 assistance
EPA 800-424- Where schools can get
9065 help in filling out
grant/loan applications
CPSC 800-638- For information on
2772 asbestos in consumer
products or homes
NIH 800-638- For information on health
2772 effects of asbestos
ANPR Advanced Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking
CPSC Consumer Product
Safety Commission
DOT Department of
Transportation
f/cc fibers per cubic
centimeter
FDA Food and Drug
Administration
FWPCA Federal Water Pollution
Control Administration
(became part of EPA)
MSHA
Mine Safety and Health
Administration
NESHAP National Emission
Standard for
Hazardous Air
Pollutants
NIH National Institutes of
Health
NIOSH National Institute for
Occupational Safety
and Health
OSHA Occupational Safety
and Health
Administration
OTS Office of Toxic
Substances
RCRA Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act
TSCA Toxic Substances
Control Act
TAO Toxic Assistance Office
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