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What is Asbestos? A rock!Naturally occurring magnesium silicate mineral.

Most common types of asbestosChrysotileAmositeCrocidolite

Composed of tiny fibers too small to seeAdded to many common building materials due

to its beneficial physical properties

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It’s a Mineral We Mine

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Appearance & Texture

Fibrous, friable (able to crumble) and fluffy, almost like a muddy brown or white cotton wool

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TodayFound in many products imported to the U.S.

Asbestos cement (transite) (Mexico)Vinyl asbestos floor tile (China)Sheetrock (Mexico)Henry’s Roof Mastic (Canada)

In general, US based companies don’t use asbestos anymore, but contrary to popular belief, it has never been banned in the U.S.

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Why was so much asbestos installed in buildings?

Asbestos has many desirable propertiesFire resistantSound absorptionChemical resistantFriction resistantMechanically strongElectrical resistanceBacterial resistance

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When is asbestos dangerous?

When you breathe or ingest itWhen asbestos gets in the air, you can breathe it inEasy to get asbestos into air, can be inhaled when

someone

Saws

Nails

Crushes

Drills

Cuts

Tears

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Asbestos – Health ImpactsLung CancerAsbestosis – serious,

progressive, long-term non-cancer disease of the lungs

Mesothelioma – rare form of cancer found in thin lining (membrane) of lungs

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Health Effects

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Where is asbestos found?Acoustic insulatorThermal insulationFire proofingOther building materialsBrake pads / drum Brake liningsAsbestos-cement

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Isn’t asbestos banned?Asbestos is NOT a banned substance

In 1989, EPA banned all NEW uses of asbestos

Uses established before 1989 still allowed

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Health Risk

Intact, undisturbed asbestos-containing materials generally do not pose a health risk

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SchoolsPerform inspections and re-

inspection every three years of asbestos-containing material

Asbestos management plan Notification to parent, teacher, and

employee organizations Provide custodial staff with

asbestos-awareness training

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Work PlaceU.S. Occupational Safety and

Health Administration (OSHA) has issued revised regulations covering asbestos exposure

In construction, special regulated-area requirements for asbestos removal, renovation, and demolition operations

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HomeUndisturbed/undeteriorated materials

containing asbestos do not, in general, pose health risk, can be left alone

If you are concerned, contact EPA or Health Department

- Test your home - Locate a company trained to remove or contain fibers

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Synergism of Asbestos and SmokingCigarette smoke and asbestos

together significantly increase your chances of getting lung cancer

If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should stop smoking

May be most important action you can take to improve your health and decrease cancer risk

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Processes that Use LeadPrimary and secondary lead smeltingLead storage battery manufacturingLead pigment manufacturing and use (paints)Solder manufacturing and useShipbuilding/repairingAuto manufacturingPrinting

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How Lead Enters the BodyInhalation

Ingestion

Generally not absorbed through skin (unless organic: ethyl/methyl lead)

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Effects of “acute” overexposureLarge dosages can kill in a matter of days

Acute encephalopathy can lead to seizures, coma, and cardiorespiratory arrest

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Effects of “chronic” overexposure

Damage to

Blood-forming system

Nervous system

Kidneys

Urinary system

Reproductive systems

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Regulations over the Years….1971-Lead Based Paint Poison Prevention Act

(LBPPA) targeting HUD homes only

1978-Consumer Product Safety Commission bans use of LBP in residences

1987-abatement of all LBP in HUD homes

1995-Guidance Publication on testing and abatement in non-HUD residences

Not much since then, until…..

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Here’s the latest….March 31, 2008-EPA sets new rule for contractors

during LBP disturbance activities

By April 2010, contractors will have to be certified through proper training from accredited entity

Applies to work involving renovation, repair, and painting projects in homes, schools, and child-care facilities built before 1978 (Non-HUD Facilities)

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Occupational Safety & Health Administration Construction regulation on lead applies to all

occupational exposure to lead where applicable; employers must protect employees

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.62It’s the law!

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Chemical Chemical StructureStructure

• Trade Names• Aroclor• Inclor

• Fenclor• Many others….

Polychlorinated BiphenylsPolychlorinated Biphenyls

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PropertiesProperties•Non-flammableNon-flammable

•Chemically stableChemically stable•High boiling pointHigh boiling point

•Excellent electrical insulationExcellent electrical insulation

properties properties

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PCB Uses• Electrical transformersElectrical transformers

• CapacitorsCapacitors• Heat transfer equipmentHeat transfer equipment

• Hydraulic equipmentHydraulic equipment• Pigments, dyes, paintsPigments, dyes, paints

• CaulkingCaulking• Adhesives, tapesAdhesives, tapes• Cable insulationCable insulation

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History• Manufacturing started in 1929 (releasedManufacturing started in 1929 (released

to atmosphere) to atmosphere)

• Banned in 1979Banned in 1979

• Some old materials containing PCBs Some old materials containing PCBs

still out there (light ballasts, caulking, paint)still out there (light ballasts, caulking, paint)

• Regulated under the Toxic SubstancesRegulated under the Toxic Substances

Control Act (Control Act (““TSCATSCA””), 40 CFR 761), 40 CFR 761

• Environmental exposure mostly via soil and waterEnvironmental exposure mostly via soil and water

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Health Effects• Carcinogen

(to animals, probable in humans)• Toxic to

• Immune system• Reproductive system• Nervous system• Endocrine system

• Very persistent in environment, can travel long distances and reach groundwater

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Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP)

Mansel A. Nelson, Senior Program CoordinatorEnvironmental Education Outreach Program

(EEOP)Northern Arizona University (NAU)http://www.nau.edu/eeop/mansel.nelson@nau.edu

Voice 928 523 1275FAX 928 523 1280PO Box 5768, Flagstaff, AZ 86011

www.nau.edu/eeop