What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral. Because it is strong, won't burn, and resists corrosion, it became a popular commercial product. The most common asbestos types are Chrysotile, Amosite and Crocidolite.
 
Where Is Asbestos Usually Found?
It has been used in thousands of commercial products because of its insulating and durable characteristics. Asbestos was commonly used in many building materials especially between the early 1900's and into the 1970's. It can be found in thermal insulation, fireproofing, floor coverings, ceiling tiles, cement pipe, granular and corrugated paper pipe wrap, lab bench tops, lab fume hoods, and acoustical and decorative treatment for ceilings and walls.
 
When Is Asbestos A Problem?
Intact and undisturbed asbestos materials do not pose a health risk. If the material is damaged or disturbed it can release fibers into the air. Elevated airborne asbestos concentration can create a potential hazard for workers and other building occupants.
 
How Is Asbestos A Health Threat?
The relationship between airborne asbestos fibers and the diseases such exposure can cause is not clearly understood. Once inhaled asbestos fibers may penetrate lung tissue and remain in the body. Three illness associated with asbestos exposure are asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
 
What Do I Do With Asbestos Containing Material?
Again, it is not a health hazard if intact. Drilling, cutting, sawing, such material would create an airborne hazard and should not occur. If you identify any damaged material contact a licensed asbestos contractor to have it repaired.
 
What Does Asbestos Smell Like?
Asbestos is odorless. You can not identify asbestos by sight or smell.
 
How Do I Know If A Material Contains Asbestos?
You can not tell for certain by appearance. To positively identify suspected asbestos, samples must be taken for laboratory analysis. Only certified professionals should take samples for laboratory analysis and only an accredited laboratory can positively identify asbestos containing materials.
 
When Should Asbestos Containing Material Be Removed?
Whenever asbestos containing material is damaged beyond repair or would be disturbed, it should be removed by state certified workers.
 
How Is Asbestos Safely Removed?
A containment is constructed which is kept at negative air pressure relative to the adjoining areas. The material is kept wet during the removal to minimize any fibers becoming airborne. In addition, air sampling is conducted inside and outside of the containment area to ensure the fibers are being controlled.
 
Is There Asbestos In My Child's School?
Asbestos is present in many buildings, both public and private, including many school buildings. If there is asbestos in your child's school and it is in good condition, it can remain in place without posing a threat to your child's health. Schools are required to have an AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) plan on-site which includes a survey documenting where all asbestos can be found in the building. The school is required to have an Operations and Maintenance Program and to have the asbestos evaluated on a regular basis to ensure it does not deteriorate and become a hazard. There are standard operating procedures for repairing or removing the asbestos if it does become a hazard. Contacting your child's school is the only way to know for sure if the building has asbestos in it and how they are maintaining it.