Sunday, October 30, 2011

Asbestos

Why do you need to be concerned about asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that is often used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. Due to its fiber strength and heat resistant properties, asbestos has been used for a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials (roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and asbestos cement products ), friction products (automobile clutch, brake and transmission parts), heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and clothing.

When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed by repair, remodeling or demolition activities, microscopic fibers can become airborne and inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause serious health problems.The most common sources of asbestos exposure:Exposure to work for people working in industries that make or mine use asbestos products and those livingin these industries, including:construction industry (particularly construction and renovation activities, demolition),manufacture of asbestos products (such as textiles, friction products, insulation and other building materials), andduring automotive brake and clutch repair workDeteriorating, damaged or disturbed asbestos-containing products such as insulation, fireproofing, acoustical materials, and floor tiles.On this site:Basic InformationWhat is asbestos?Health effects of asbestos Where can asbestos be found?What if I have asbestos in my home?Where can I find an accredited laboratory to test for asbestos?EPA's role in asbestos Other federal efforts asbestos Where you live - Get contact information for asbestos at each EPA regional office and in the states.Vermiculite - Learn about asbestos-contaminated vermiculite products and asbestos contamination in Libby, Montana.Asbestos occurs naturally - Learn about reducing exposure to asbestos that is present in naturally-occurring rock formations in certain areas of the U.S., including California.Asbestos in Schools / Asbestos en Escuela - Read about the EPA program to keep children safe from asbestos found in school buildings. en español.

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