ASBESTOS DEFINITIONS
ASBESTOS – A heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral that can be woven into fabrics, and is used in fire-resistant and insulating materials such as brake linings.
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring, toxic, carcinogenic and fibrous silicate minerals (mined from the Earth) that occurs in rock and soil. There are six types of asbestos, all of which are composed of long and thin fibrous crystals, each fiber being composed of many microscopic "fibrils" that can be released into the atmosphere by abrasion and other processes. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to various dangerous lung conditions, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. As a result of these health effects, asbestos is considered a serious health and safety hazard.
ACM (Asbestos Containing Material) – OSHA term for any material containing more than 1% asbestos.
ACBM (Asbestos Containing Building Material) – AHERA (schools K thru 12) and ASHARA term for materials containing more than 1% asbestos in or on interior structural members or other parts of a building. Includes covered walkways, porticos and exterior HVAC TSI (Thermal System Insulation).
PACM (Presumed Asbestos Containing Material) – OSHA term for all TSI and surfacing materials installed prior to 1980 that has not been tested and/or proven to not contain asbestos.
FRIABLE – Any Asbestos Containing Material that can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry.
NON-FRIABLE – Any Asbestos Containing Material that when dry, cannot be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure.
TRANSITE – Transite asbestos, also known as asbestos cement, is a composite material made by blending asbestos fibers with cement. This combination results in a robust and fire-resistant material that was extensively used in construction during the mid-20th century. ***Often found in exterior siding and roofing shingles.
How EPA's Asbestos Regulations Apply to Transite Siding | US EPA
VERMICULITE – A yellow or brown mineral found as an alteration product of mica and other minerals, used for insulation or as a moisture-retentive medium. Vermiculite is a group of platy materials, hydrous silicates of aluminum, magnesium and iron that expand significantly on being heated. Typically used as insulation in attics or behind walls.
HOMOGENEOUS – An area of surfacing material, thermal system insulation or miscellaneous material that is uniform in color and texture. Plaster and drywall systems may be considered homogeneous if surface color (paint) is the only discernible variable.
AHERA/ASHARA & OSHA MATERIAL CATEGORIES
TSI (THERMAL SYSTEM INSULATION) – Thermal system insulation is an ACM that is applied to pipes, fittings, boilers, breeching, tanks, ducts or other structural components to prevent heat loss or gain.
SURFACTING ACM – Materials that are sprayed, troweled-on or otherwise applied to surfaces (such as acoustical plaster on ceilings and fireproofing materials on structural members, or other materials on surfaces for acoustical, fireproofing and other purposes) that contain more than 1% asbestos.
MISCELLANEOUS ACM – All other interior building materials on structural components, structural members or fixtures, such as floor and ceiling tiles, and does not include surfacing materials of thermal system insulation.
RESPONSE ACTIONS
REMOVAL
The taking out or the stripping of substantially all ACBM from a damaged area, a functional space, or a homogenous area in a school building.
ENCAPSULATION
The treatment of ACBM with a material that surrounds or embeds asbestos fibers in an adhesive matrix to prevent the release of fibers. The encapsulant creates a membrane over the surface (bridging encapsulant) or penetrates the materials and binds its components together (penetrating encapsulant).
ENCLOSURE
An airtight, impermeable, permanent barrier around ACBM to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the air (prevents cross contamination).
REPAIR
Returning damaged ACBM to an undamaged condition or to an intact state so as to prevent fiber release.
WHY ISN’T ASBESTOS BANNED IN THE UNITED STATES
Why isn’t asbestos banned in the United States? | Asbestos Nation – EWG Action Fund
Many Americans mistakenly believe that asbestos was banned decades ago. Tragically, that is not the case. Although asbestos is no longer mined in the U.S. and its use has declined significantly, American industry still legally imports, uses and sells both raw asbestos and products made with it.
In the 1970s, after asbestos was proved to cause cancer, federal agencies began taking steps to regulate it. In 1971, the Environmental Protection Agency established an emissions standard under the Clean Air Act. A year later, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued an occupational standard, which grew more protective over the next decade. In 1979, EPA issued a notice of intent to regulate asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
6 TYPES OF ASBESTOS
Asbestos is classified in six unique types:
- Chrysotile asbestos (white colored)
- Amosite asbestos (brown colored)
- Crocidolite asbestos (blue colored)
- Actinolite asbestos
- Anthophyllite asbestos
- Tremolite asbestos
3 MOST COMMON ASBESTOS TYPES
The types of asbestos were used for different purposes and across a wide range of products. Some types were more commonly used than others. The three most common types of asbestos used were chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite.
Asbestos fibers can easily become airborne when disturbed. This can happen during use of asbestos products, mining for asbestos or during normal job duties in industries where asbestos was commonly used. Fibers can also become airborne during natural disasters, renovations or demolition.
Once airborne, individuals are susceptible to inhaling the dangerous asbestos fibers. This can lead to dangerous diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.
WHY IS ASBESTOS DANGEROUS?
Exposure to asbestos can cause some serious health effects. This can occur when the asbestos containing material becomes damaged or deteriorates, releasing tiny, microscopic fibers of asbestos into the air where we breathe it in.
The health dangers are greatly increased upon repeated and continuous exposures. This is why certain occupations are especially affected. For instance, asbestos miners, plumbers, insulation installers, mechanics and maintenance personnel are greatly affected.
3 PRIMARY DISEASES CAUSED BY ASBESTOS
- Asbestosis
- A scarring of the lungs caused by minuscule fibers being trapped and the body cannot absorb or reject them.
- The typical latency period for asbestosis is 15 to 20 years.
- Lung Cancer
- Increased likelihood of contracting, especially if exposed to BOTH asbestos and cigarette smoking
- The typical latency period for lung cancer is 30 years.
- Mesothelioma (rarest disease)
- A cancer of the lining of the chest cavity, which is always fatal.
- The typical latency period for mesothelioma is 35 to 40 years.
WHY WAS ASBESTOS USED?
Asbestos has unique properties that makes it resistant to heat and fire, it has great insulation capabilities and it is very strong. Because of these properties, it was widely used in many products.
Some common industries that used asbestos include: building and construction, textiles, automobile, electronics, mining and milling, petrochemicals, aerospace and shipbuilding. Asbestos containing materials have been used in more than 3,000 manufactured products.
