EPA Asbestos Hazards

Asbestos has been used in building materials, paper products, plastics, and other products. Exposure mainly occurs in indoor air where it may be released from these materials. Effects on the lung are a major health concern from asbestos, as chronic (long-term) exposure to asbestos in humans via inhalation can result in a lung disease termed asbestosis.

Asbestosis is characterized by shortness of breath and cough and may lead to severe impairment of respiratory function. Cancer is also a major concern from asbestos exposure, as inhalation exposure can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the thin membranes lining the abdominal cavity and surrounding internal organs), and possibly gastrointestinal cancers in humans.

EPA has classified asbestos as a Group A, known human carcinogen.

Asbestos Uses

The main uses of asbestos are in building materials, paper products, asbestos-cement products, friction products, textiles, packings and gaskets, and asbestos-reinforced plastics. Asbestos use in the United States is currently decreasing.

Sources and Potential Exposure

Airborne exposure to asbestos may occur through the erosion of natural deposits in asbestos-bearing rocks, from a variety of asbestos-related industries, or from clutches and brakes on cars and trucks. The concentrations in outdoor air are highly variable.

Asbestos has been detected in indoor air, where it is released from a variety of building materials such as insulation and ceiling and floor tiles. It is only released, however, when these building materials are damaged or disintegrate. Typical concentrations in indoor air range from 1 to 200 nanograms per cubic meter (ng/m3) (0.000001 to 0.002 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3)).

Asbestos may be released to water from a number of sources, including erosion of natural deposits, corrosion from asbestos-cement pipes, and disintegration of asbestos roofing materials with subsequent transport into sewers.

Read more about Asbestos at the EPA Govenmet website

Materials Related to Topic

• Corporate Executive Sentenced On Asbestos Violations Hale pled guilty and was sentenced before United States District Court Judge William P. Dimitrouleas, in Fort Lauderdale
• Hospital Demolition Violates Federal Asbestos Regulations The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has settled with Rideout Memorial Hospital and H & H Trenching, Inc. $5,802 for an alleged violation of the federal Clean Air Act
• EPA's Asbestos Project Plan Identifying and addressing ways people are exposed to asbestos in products
• Asbestos Hazard Summary Exposure mainly occurs in indoor air where it may be released from these materials.

Extended asbestos exposure can have long term and life threatening effects. If you or someone you know have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, you should seek legal help. Contact one of our Asbestos Lawyers in your area today. They have the knowledge and experience to help you win the compensation you deserve.