Asbestos is a hazardous air pollutant
Asbestos is classified as a hazardous air pollutant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and there is no known safe level of exposure.
So what is asbestos and where is it found?
Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral widely used in building materials due to its fire-resistent, insulating, and durable characteristics. Asbestos containing material (ACM) is still present in homes, offices, stores, restaurants, schools, factories, and public buildings.
Most often asbestos is found in certain building materials rather than in specific types of businesses. Common places and materials are identified in the diagram on the right. Similar ACM can be found in other types of buildings, listed above.
When left intact and not disturbed, ACM generally does not pose a health risk. For most intact ACM, it’s recommended that it be managed in place and maintained, unless work will disturb it.
However, when ACM is damaged, sanded, cut, demolished, or otherwise disturbed, microscopic fibers become airborne and inhaled. This is why demolition and renovation of buildings, houses, and other structures must comply with requirements enforced in Spokane County by Spokane Clean Air.
FAQs for property owners affected by the Oregon Road and Gray wildfires.
Asbestos – What is it? Should I be concerned?
In the United States, 12,000 to 15,000 people die every year from asbestos related diseases. The latency period from exposure to asbestos fibers to disease onset is anywhere from ten to forty years. Asbestos is still present in homes and buildings, therefore it is important to your health to understand what asbestos is and where it is commonly found, and how it can become airborne.