Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was used in numerous building materials and vehicle products. Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Symptoms and/or cancer may take many years to develop following exposure. [1] [1] [3] [4]

High-risk asbestos exposure can occur during activities that disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACM), such as:

• Manufacturing and cleanup of asbestos-containing products

• Brake and clutch repairs

• Renovation or demolition of buildings or ships

• Cleanup after natural disasters Examples of materials presumed to contain asbestos if installed before 1981 include:

• Thermal system insulation

• Roofing and siding shingles

• Vinyl floor tiles

• Plaster, cement, putties, and caulk

• Ceiling tiles and spray-on coatings

• Industrial pipe wrapping

• Heat-resistant textiles

• Automobile brake linings and clutch pads OSHA has standards to protect workers from asbestos hazards, including permissible exposure limits (PEL) and excursion limits (EL). The PEL for asbestos is 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter of air as an eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA), with an EL of 1.0 asbestos fibers per cubic centimeter over a 30-minute period. [1] [1]

Protective measures include:

• Workplace assessment to determine asbestos presence and potential for airborne fiber generation

• Monitoring to detect asbestos exposure at or above the PEL or EL

• Engineering controls and work practices to keep exposure at or below the PEL and EL

• Respiratory protection when engineering controls and work practices are insufficient

• Hazard communication and warning signs in areas with exposures above the PEL or EL

• Prohibition of smoking, eating, or drinking in areas with exposures above the PEL or EL

• Provision and use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Separate decontamination and lunch areas with proper hygiene practices

• Training for workers exposed at or above the PEL before work begins and yearly thereafter Different types of asbestos work are classified based on risk:

• Type 1 (low risk): Installing or removing ceiling tiles (less than 7.5 square meters) or non-friable ACM without generating dust.

• Type 2 (medium risk): Removing false ceilings with potential ACM, disturbing less than or equal to 1 m² of friable ACM, or working with non-friable ACM using non-powered hand-held tools.

• Type 3 (high risk): Removing or disturbing greater than 1 m² of friable ACM, spray application of sealant to friable ACM, or working with power tools not attached to HEPA filters. Good practices for working with asbestos include:

• Decontaminating protective clothing before leaving the work area using a HEPA filter vacuum or damp wiping.

• Washing hands and face before leaving the work area.

• Using a double locker facility with shower between locker rooms for medium- to high-risk operations.

• Controlling the spread of dust beyond the work area using polyethylene sheeting barriers or a separate ventilation system under negative pressure. Medical monitoring requirements may include medical examinations, clinical tests, chest radiographs, lung function tests, occupational exposure history, and health questionnaires. Personal records of asbestos exposure at the workplace should be maintained, including time-weighted average exposure and concentrations of asbestos. [2] [2]

If asbestos is unexpectedly discovered on a job site:

• Stop work and clear the area.

• A certified expert will decide how to handle the situation safely and ensure workers' exposure is kept as low as possible.

• Only a properly trained crew will work with the asbestos, taking all required safety precautions. To minimize the risk of bringing asbestos fibers home:

• Change clothes and wash up before leaving the work site.

• Follow cleanup procedures on the site, including how and where to clean up and what to do with contaminated clothing. In homes, it's crucial to have a professional test for asbestos before any renovations or demolitions. If asbestos is found, hire a qualified asbestos removal specialist. Avoid disturbing asbestos materials yourself to protect your health and your family's health. [5]