Asbestos in Buildingsand Health Effects

Alan M. Ducatman, MD, MScChair, Department of Community Medicine

aducatman@hsc.wvu.edu

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Asbestos-Containing Building Materials (ACBM)

Source: www.tradewinderealty.com , via the Google Images Library, 2006.

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Asbestos-Containing Building Materials (ACBM)

Source: www.committeeforbetterschools.org, via Google Images Library, 2006.

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Examples of ACBM

• Pipe coatings and coverings

• Spray-on and textured materials, including acoustics

• Textured paints, patching and joint compounds

• Shingles and siding

• Boiler/furnace insulation

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Examples of ACBM

• Vinyl floor tiles, flooring sheets, and adhesive

• Building insulation

• Sealants and coatings

• Fireproof textiles and lab equipment

• Heat register tape and fuse box liners

• Gaskets

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Trades with Exposure Risk

• pipefitters• insulators• electricians• mill and foundry

workers• boiler makers

• laborers• carpenters• heating/ventilation

workers• masons• welders

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Trades with Lesser Exposure Risk

• mechanics

• painters

• custodians

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Chrysotile

Source: Chrysotile Institute, 2006.

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Amphibole

Electron micrograph of amphibole particles, from www.nature.com, via the Google Images Library, 2006.

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American Lung Association, 2006

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White Blood Cell Ingesting Asbestos Fiber

Image of lung macrophages (a type of white blood cell) ingesting asbestos fibers. University of Utah Library of Medicine, 2006

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Asbestos fibers lodged in lungs, ATSDR web site, http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/asbestos/health_effects/ . Accessed 6/20/06.

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Normal lung cells, http://medocs.ucdavis.edu/PMD/study_aid/OrganPages/respiratory/respiratory.htm, via Google Images Library, 2006.

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Pulmonary Function Test

A portrayal of a pulmonary function test, from www.slate.com, via the Google Images Library, 2006

15Abnormal chest x-ray showing changes of asbestosis. Rachel Rubin, MD, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, IL, 2006.

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Normal chest x-ray, www.szote.u-szeged.hu/radio/mellk1/mellk2b/gif, via Google Images Library, 2006.

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Scan Fig 7, p 353

Lung x-ray showing pleural plaque. Rachel Rubin, MD, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, IL, 2006.

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Scanning electron micrograph of lung cancer cells, ATSDR web site, http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/asbestos/health_effects/. Accessed 6/20/06.

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Malignant Mesothelioma

Source: www.41-mesothelioma.com/pleural.htm, via the Google Images Library, 2006

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Malignant Mesothelioma

Source: University of Utah Library of Medicine, 2006.

21Source: Pathology Lecture, Alan M. Ducatman, MD.

22Source: Pathology Lecture, Alan M. Ducatman, MD.

23Source: Pathology Lecture, Alan M. Ducatman, MD.

24Source: Pathology Lecture, Alan M. Ducatman, MD.

25Source: Pathology Lecture, Alan M. Ducatman, MD.

26Source: Pathology Lecture, Alan M. Ducatman, MD.

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A Vignette

• The 71-year-old parking guard at the hospital presents with excruciating inspiratory pain.

• Physical examination reveals LLL effusion and probable consolidation.

• There is pleural thickening.

• Tap shows possibly malignant cells of undetermined type.

28Source: Pathology Lecture, Alan M. Ducatman, MD.

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WVU Buildings Containing Asbestos

• Most buildings and homes built prior to 1980 were constructed with asbestos-containing building materials.

• For example. . . .

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Agricultural Sciences Building

Source: Craig Lefevre, WVU Office of Environmental Health and Safety, 2006.

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Agricultural Sciences Building:Textured Ceiling (15% asbestos) and Floor Tile (5%

asbestos)

Source: Craig Lefevre, WVU Office of Environmental Health and Safety, 2006.

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Percival Hall

Source: Craig Lefevre, WVU Office of Environmental Health and Safety, 2006.

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Percival Hall: Tank Insulation (65% asbestos)

Source: Craig Lefevre, WVU Office of Environmental Health and Safety, 2006.

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Percival Hall: Pipe Insulation (45% asbestos)

Source: Craig Lefevre, WVU Office of Environmental Health and Safety, 2006.

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Mountainlair

Source: Craig Lefevre, WVU Office of Environmental Health and Safety, 2006.

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Mountainlair: Floor Tile (5% asbestos)

Source: Craig Lefevre, WVU Office of Environmental Health and Safety, 2006.

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List of WVU Buildings

• http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/cmed/extra/asbestos_buildings.asp yields a list of buildings whose materials may contain 1% or more asbestos.

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Enclosure for asbestos removal, from Google Images Library, 2006.