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Asbestos in Products and Buildings

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber, once widely used in building materials and products for its thermal insulating properties and fire resistance. Intact, undisturbed asbestos-containing materials generally do not pose a health risk. These materials may become hazardous and pose increased risk if they are damaged, are disturbed in some manner, or deteriorate over time and release asbestos fibers into building air.

A number of building materials and products still in use today contain asbestos. Asbestos remains in use as an acoustic insulator, and in thermal insulation, fire proofing, roofing, flooring and other materials. You can find a more complete list of past uses of asbestos.

Managing Asbestos in Place: How to Develop and Maintain a Building Asbestos Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Program - EPA has developed information for building owners whose facilities may contain asbestos. The following web pages describe how to develop and carry out operations and maintenance (O&M) programs for managing asbestos in place to safeguard the health of building occupants.

EPA Asbestos Publications

Non-EPA Asbestos Publications

The following organizations publish asbestos guidance, standards and testing methods. These publications are available for a fee to the general public. Consult with the individual organization for the exact cost.

 

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