ASBESTOS

Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of minerals that are flexible, fire resistant, and virtually indestructible. Many hundreds of products contain asbestos fibers. Some general categories are insulation, asbestos cements, fireproofing, fireproof clothing, floor tiles, pipes, brake and clutch linings, pot holders, ironing board pads, hair dryers, and textured paints. In the recent past, some uses have been banned: spraying asbestos-containing materials (1973); certain pipe coverings (1975); some patching compounds and artificial fireplace logs (1977); spray-on asbestos decorations (1978); and hair dryers containing asbestos (1979).

In most products, asbestos is combined with a binding material. However, if the tiny asbestos fibers do become airborne and inhaled, they can remain in the lungs and may cause severe health problems that do not appear until many years later. There is no known safe exposure level to asbestos. Asbestos toxicity surfaces only after a long latent period. The respiratory tract is the usual target organ. Asbestosis and asbestos-related cancers are the two main categories of asbestos disease.

Do not dust, sweep, or vacuum particles suspected of containing asbestos. This will disturb tiny asbestos fibers, causing them to become airborne and easily inhaled.

Products containing asbestos are not often labeled as such. For information on whether a product contains asbestos, contact the manufacturer, ask people who have worked with asbestos (such as asbestos handlers, plumbers, building contractors, or heating contractors), or contact the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC, 1-800-638-2772).

Any material containing asbestos should not be disturbed unless necessary. If you think a product contains asbestos and you must disturb it, find a contractor trained in safe procedures for handling asbestos.

For further information concerning asbestos, contact the CPSC, American Lung Association or your local office of the State Department of Health.

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