Asbestos and Construction
Construction and maintenance worker are at increased risk of being occupationally exposed to asbestos and of getting asbestos related illnesses, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. Certain safety measures can help to prevent exposure and protect workers and the general public when asbestos abatement work is performed.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of strong fibers so small that you can not see them. Asbestos was used extensively in the construction industry because of its high tensile strength, incombustibility, corrosion and friction resistance, and thermal insulation abilities. Some of the building products containing asbestos to be aware of are:
- Insulation, acoustical and thermal
- Pipe wrap and furnace insulation
- Boiler, hot water, and furnace insulation
- Roofing Shingles
- Millboard and wallboard
- Floor and ceiling tiles
- Ceiling and wall texture
- Fire protection materials
- Siding
- Heating and electrical wire insulation
- Appliance components
- Caulk and drywall
- Cement asbestos siding
- Gaskets and packing
If asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are intact, in good shape, and are not in danger of being damaged, it is recommended to leave them alone. However, many of the products listed above are easily flaked and can be damaged during construction, renovation, repair or demolition, increasing the risk of asbestos fibers being released. ‘Friable’ ACMs pose the strongest threat. Friable refers to any product that, when dry, has a high probability of becoming become crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure.
Thousands of construction and maintenance workers have died from asbestos related diseases due to occupational exposure. Family members are at risk too because workers return home with asbestos on their clothes, shoes, skin or hair. Trades most at risk are:
- Insulators
- Plumbers and pipe fitters
- Electricians
- Sheet metal workers
- School and building repair workers
- Bricklayers
- Carpenters
- Drywall Installers
- Laborers
- Roofers
- Painters
- Tile setters
People who have worked or currently work with or near asbestos containing products run the risk of inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers which then remain lodged in the body and cause serious illnesses, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma or lung cancer. Asbestosis is a scarring of the lungs, which makes it hard to breathe, and mesothelioma is an incurable cancer that forms in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity.
Anyone in the above trades should protect themselves by following safety precautions as well as state and federal regulations. The Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have established regulations in order to prevent exposure. Some required protective measures are:
- Inspect before performing any repair, renovation or demolition for the presence of damaged or potentially friable ACMs.
- Train yourself to know the requirements for personal and public protection or hire a professional asbestos abatement contractor
- Remove any ACMS from a building being demolished or renovated before any disrupted activity begins and/or access to the material is precluded
- Use respirators and vacuums and disposal bags designed for asbestos removal
- Keep ACMs adequately wet before, during and after removal
- Handle and dispose of all ACMs in approved manners and designated sites
Taking such precautions and following guidelines may require more time and money, but may save the lives of anyone in the construction and maintenance trades. Many unions will provide training and certification for asbestos abatement.
If you suspect you have been exposed, it is highly recommended that you consult with a physician that specializes in asbestos related injuries. If you have an asbestos-related disease, early diagnosis is the key to extending your survival. For more information, call toll free 1-800-440-4262.
