NEW YORK MEDICAL COLLEGE Environmental Health and Safety Department ASBESTOS Training Program 6/27/2011 1

Objectives To define asbestos Identify asbestos containing materials (ACM) Identify the health hazards of ACM List ways to avoid asbestos exposure 6/27/2011 2

What is Asbestos? Asbestos is the name applied to six naturally occurring minerals that are mined from the earth. The different types of asbestos are: Amosite Chrysotile Tremolite Actinolite Anthophyllite Crocidolite Chrysotile is the most common, and is found in over 95% of all asbestos containing material. Crysotile is the most common, found in over 95% of asbestos containing material. The rest are used for specific applications. 6/27/2011 3

Asbestos Properties All types of asbestos tend to break into very tiny fibers. Once released into the air, they may stay suspended there for hours or even days. Asbestos fibers are virtually indestructible. The properties of asbestos are what makes it so dangerous. Once inhaled it is impossible to remove from lung tissue. The properties of asbestos are what makes it so dangerous. Once inhaled it is impossible to remove from lung tissue. 6/27/2011 4

Where is Asbestos Found? Asbestos can be found virtually anywhere and is still mined in other countries. Sprayed on fire proofing and insulation in buildings Insulation for pipes and boilers Wall and ceiling insulation Ceiling tiles Floor tiles Putties, caulks, and cements Asbestos can be found virtually anywhere and is still mined in other countries. 6/27/2011 5

Where is Asbestos Found ? Roofing shingles Siding shingles on older buildings Wall and ceiling texture in older buildings and homes Joint compound in older buildings Brake linings and clutch pads 6/27/2011 6

Asbestos Properties Asbestos is most hazardous when it is friable. The term "friable" means that the asbestos is easily crumbled by hand, releasing fibers into the air. When asbestos is friable, it is easily inhaled. Sprayed on asbestos insulation is highly friable. Asbestos is non-friable when it is bound into other fibers. These fibers are harder to break down, but can be released by drilling, sanding or grinding the material. Asbestos containing floor tile and asbestos containing lab benches are an example of non-friable asbestos. IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTACT THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY DEPARTMENT AT EXT. 4078 BEFORE WORK IS PERFORMED. When asbestos is friable it can be easily inhaled. Asbestos can stay suspended in the air for hours or even days. Asbestos is not hazardous if it is left undisturbed. IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTACT EHS AT 4078 BEFORE DRILLING ANY FLOOR TILES OR LAB BENCHES. DRILLING CAN MAKE FLOOR TILE FRIABLE. 6/27/2011 7

Health Effects The body cannot break down or remove asbestos fibers once they are lodged in lung or body tissues. They remain in place where they can cause disease. 6/27/2011 8

Diseases Associated with Asbestos Asbestosis Caused by repeated, long-term exposure to airborne asbestos Lung Cancer The risk of lung cancer increases with repeated exposure to airborne asbestos Mesothelioma Can be caused by even a minimal exposure to airborne asbestos and is generally fatal Asbestosis is caused by repeated, long-term exposure to friable asbestos. The chances of lung cancer increase with repeated friable asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma can be caused by small quantity exposure to friable asbestos and is 100% fatal. Injured Lung 6/27/2011 9

Avoiding Asbestos Exposure If you do not know whether something is asbestos or not, assume that it is until it is verified otherwise. You cannot tell if floor or ceiling tiles contain asbestos just by looking at them. If you have reason to suspect that something is asbestos DO NOT DISTURB IT. Example If a floor tile falls down and you discover it, do not attempt to clean up on your own. Notify security at x4226 and isolate the area by closing the door. 6/27/2011 10

Asbestos Program & Notification Asbestos Program Notification Memo The memo provides a brief summary of the results of a survey conducted to determine the presence, location, and condition of asbestos on campus Click link to view memo IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON ASBESTOS PLEASE CONTACT EHS @ 594-4078 Upon completion of this presentation you will receive, through inter-office mail, a packet containing the Asbestos Program and Notification Memo. If you have any questions or you would like more information on asbestos, please contact EHS at x4078 (594-4078) 6/27/2011 11

All right, you are done, congratulations! Now take a test, click on the link and follow the instructions http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=1-asbestos 6/27/2011