Asbestos Hazards and Your Health

Asbestos is a name actually describing a group of mineral silicates, five of which are shown below. It has been used in insulation, roofing, flooring, cements and automobile brake linings just to name a few. The most common form of asbestos is chrysotile, with amosite and crocidolite being next in line.

Asbestos can cause serious health problems . Three specific diseases - asbestosis (scarring of the lungs), lung cancer and mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the chest) - have been linked to asbestos. These microscopic fibers tend to break into even smaller microscopic fibers that can be inhaled into the lungs. Because of their extremely small size, the fibers, once inhaled, can remain in the body for many years.

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES

Proper asbestos management procedures should be followed before beginning any activity, which might disturb materials containing asbestos:

A written asbestos survey is required before demolition of a building (removal of any load bearing, structural supports), before building renovations (this includes maintenance on various building systems). These materials could either be coated or covered with asbestos containing materials. Only a licensed asbestos consultant can perform asbestos surveys in the State of Florida. Only licensed asbestos contractors may remove asbestos-containing materials. All Regulated Asbestos-Containing Materials (RACM) must be removed from buildings, prior to demolition activities. Licenser as an asbestos contractor is not required for removal of certain types of material. You must contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ( DBPR ) if you have questions about any asbestos license exemptions. Written notification is required to be mailed ten (10) working days prior to any demolition, and ten (10) working days prior to removal of any Regulated Asbestos Containing Material (RACM). Notifications are required to be mailed to the Environmental Protection Program (pdf) responsible for the geographic area in question. In Pinellas County you must send the notification to:

Environmental Management, Air Quality Division

300 South Garden Avenue, Clearwater, Florida 33756

727- 464-4422

All records of asbestos related activities including asbestos survey reports, asbestos removal specifications, contractual agreements, asbestos regulations, and disposal manifests should be maintained on file indefinitely. In Pinellas County, a written asbestos survey report must be available on-site during any renovation activity. In addition, Pinellas County requires a copy of the asbestos survey report accompany the written notification for demolition operations. Under no circumstances should untrained, uncertified, or non-licensed individuals handle asbestos containing materials. No person shall cannibalize any equipment, or building components prior to having a complete written asbestos survey, and a determination that an asbestos hazard is not present on the equipment, or building component(s) that will be affected. Regulated Asbestos Containing Material (RACM) must be removed prior to the demolition of a building or structure, or any activity that may breakup, or disturb the RACM.