Introduction
Asbestos in construction has long been a critical concern due to its widespread use in building materials for fire resistance and durability. However, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure make it a serious hazard for workers.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring, toxic, carcinogenic, and fibrous silicate minerals. It occurs in rock and soil and is resistant to heat and corrosion.
Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM)
ACMs are materials that contain asbestos fibers, such as:
- Roofing felt, shingles, and patch material
- Vinyl floor tile and linoleum backing
- Pipe and boiler insulation
- Fireproofing
- Spray-on decorative acoustic ceiling material
- And, putties, caulks, and other masks
Friable vs. Non-Friable Asbestos
Friable asbestos easily crumbles, pulverizes, and reduces to a powder by hand pressure. This type of asbestos is a higher risk of releasing fibers into the air, especially when disturbed.
Non-friable asbestos is tightly bound in a solid matrix, like cement or resin, making it harder to crumble. This type is a lower risk of releasing fibers into the air, unless damaged or altered.
Asbestos Diseases
Asbestos exposure can lead to health conditions, some of which can be severe and life-threatening. These diseases often develop after long-term exposure to asbestos fibers and can take years or even decades to manifest. These diseases can include:
- Asbestosis – Scarring of the lung tissue. The scarring impacts the elasticity of the lungs and lowers its ability to transfer oxygen and carbon dioxide. Asbestosis is a slowly progressive disease, taking 15 to 30 years to fully develop
- Mesothelioma – This is a type of cancer. This disease attacks the lining of the space holding the lungs, called the pleura. Mesothelioma is exclusively related to asbestos exposure and may take 15 to 30 years to fully develop
- And, Lung Cancer – This is a malignant tumor in the lungs. The tumor grows through the surrounding tissues, invading and blocking the air passages of the lungs. The time between exposure and the occurrence of lung cancer may take 20 to 30 years to develop. There is a multiplying effect between smoking and asbestos exposure, which creates a high susceptibility to lung cancer
Routes of Exposure
Exposure primarily occurs through inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers. When asbestos is disturbed through breaking, drilling, cutting, sawing, or sanding, it can generate airborne fibers. It is important to note that asbestos is only dangerous if it becomes airborne. The primary route is through the inhalation of fibers into the lungs which can lead to cancer, scaring, and chronic inflammation. The secondary route is through fluid ingestion. This can lead to cancers of the esophagus, stomach, and intestine
OSHA’s Asbestos Standard
OSHA implements major requirements and standards in regards to asbestos in construction that must be followed, such as:
- A Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.1 fiber of asbestos per cubic centimeter of air as averaged over an 8-hour period, with an excursion limit of 1.0 asbestos fiber per cubic centimeter over 30 minutes
- Requirements for initial exposure assessment to ascertain expected exposures during work operation, and periodic exposure monitoring in certain instances
- Use of engineering controls to meet the PEL. Where this is not possible, engineering controls must be used to reduce exposure to the lowest levels possible and then use respiratory protection
- Use of regulated areas to limit access to locations where asbestos concentrations may exist
- No smoking, eating, or drinking in asbestos regulated areas
- And, requirements for warning signs and caution labels to identify and communicate the presence of hazardous materials
Discovering Asbestos at Work
If you discover asbestos on the jobsite:
- Stop working and clear the area
- Have a certified expert decide how to handle the situation
- Ensure worker exposure is kept as low as possible
- Limit access to locations where asbestos concentrations may be dangerously high
- And, ensure only a properly trained group works with asbestos
Safety Precautions
Asbestos abatement should only be performed by qualified personnel only. However, it is important for workers to take the proper precautions when working near asbestos, including:
- Wear appropriate personal protective clothing
- Thoroughly wet down the material prior to removal
- Use non-powered hand tools to reduce generating airborne fibers
- Minimize cutting or breaking asbestos cement products
- Remove and dispose personal protective equipment after exposure
- And, shower and wash yourself immediately after being exposed
Resources
OSHA provides an overview of asbestos.
The EPA provides information on how to protect your family and asbestos information for building owners and managers.
JJ Safety provides safety meetings, safety programs, and online safety training on asbestos.
Conclusion
The dangers of asbestos exposure in construction cannot be overstates. The diseases caused by inhaling asbestos fibers can have devastating, long-term effects on health. By understanding these risks and implementing safety precautions, workers and employers can significantly reduce the chances of exposure.