Friable Asbestos

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Asbestos is a generic term for a group of organic minerals, which consists of microscopic fibers and can be separated into thin, durable threads. It can be woven into the fabric, or mixed into materials such as cement, asbestos is extremely lightweight and strong, and do not conduct electricity. It also has excellent fire protection, heat and sound insulation testing capacity. For these reasons, asbestos has been used for many years in various commercial and consumer products and building materials.

Nearly every building built in the United States since the Second World War and the 1980s are likely to contain some asbestos as insulation, ceiling or floor tiles, textured paint or spray-on material for sound insulation, shingles or siding or steam pipes, furnaces and boiler applications.

If asbestos-containing material remains in place and intact, the fibers are large and stable - in which case they can not become airborne and enter the body. However, when the fiber is under stress, broken or damaged, are separated in many, many smaller fibers, which then become respirable. Once the fibers are inhaled, they can penetrate into the soft tissues of the body such as organs and membranes.

particularly vulnerable to asbestos fibers are the lungs, heart and the lining of the chest, where they can cause lung disease, pleural fibrosis, asbestosis, or-a rare but deadly cancer. Any activities that may damage the stability of the asbestos fibers should therefore be taken only professional who is trained in asbestos reduction and equipped with suitable protective clothing and respirator. There are certain measures that must be taken to ensure the safe disposal of asbestos materials. Since there is no safe level of asbestos exposure, each at or near the demolition site runs the risk of inhaling asbestos particles. In addition, the fibers can remain airborne for a long time, and can be carried through the air or on fabrics such as clothing. Simply because business is not actively working on the demolition site does not mean that is devoid of asbestos contamination.

Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires a strict procedure for handling and removal of friable asbestos material, there are some unscrupulous companies that perform demolition related activities without adequate precautions. If you are concerned about the potential for exposure to asbestos on the site, please contact your local Ministry of Health and law enforcement agencies immediately.