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THE ORCBS > Environmental Compliance > Programs & Guidelines > Asbestos Management > INTRODUCTION Asbestos is a general name for a group of naturally occurring minerals composed of small fibers. These fibers are very strong and resistant to heat and chemicals. Asbestos is common in many materials used in buildings constructed prior to 1980, and was added to many older building materials including floor tiles, ceiling tiles, insulation on pipes and ducts, acoustical and decorative coatings, and roofing materials. These types of building materials are presumed to contain asbestos if installed before 1980, unless testing has proven otherwise. Michigan State University (MSU) has a large number of buildings that were constructed before 1980. The mere presence of asbestos in a building does not mean that the health of the building occupants is endangered. When left intact and undisturbed, asbestos containing materials do not pose a health risk to building occupants. As long as asbestos-containing materials remain in good condition and are not disturbed or damaged, exposure is unlikely. There is, however, potential for exposure only when the material becomes damaged or disturbed since the asbestos is more likely to release fibers when it is friable. (The term friable means the material can be easily crumbled.) Damaged, deteriorated asbestos-containing materials may lead to fiber release (exposure). Unauthorized removal or disturbance of asbestos is not only potentially unhealthy, but also illegal. When materials are exposed or disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and they then become an inhalation hazard. Studies have shown that individuals exposed to asbestos fibers over a long period of time have developed lung cancer, asbestosis (a fibrous scarring of the lungs), and mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity). The typical latency periods for these diseases range from 10-40 years. Instead of removal of all asbestos containing material upon discovery, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends an in-place management program for the existing asbestos. EPA only requires asbestos removal in order to prevent significant public exposure to asbestos, such as during building renovation or demolition. Michigan State University has maintained an effective in-place management program for several years. This program ensures that the day-to-day management of the building minimizes the release of asbestos fibers into the air, and ensures that when asbestos fibers are released, either accidentally or intentionally, proper control and clean-up procedures are implemented. In order to follow this guideline, the university’s management program involves identifying existing asbestos and maintaining it in good condition. |
