Asbestos is a mineral found in certain rocks whose strong thin fibers are not visible to the human eye. It has been in widespread use for hundreds of applications for nearly a century. Some of the most common uses were in piping insulation, fire proofing material, floor tile and adhesive, and as a building materials additive. Even the Space Shuttle uses some asbestos components due to its tremendous heat resistance qualities.

Is There Any Real Danger To My Health?

The health consequences from inhaling asbestos fibers are long term and don't appear overnight. Diseases such as asbestosis and mesotheliona (a form of cancer that attacks the thin tissue layer around internal organs) in most cases don't develop until years, even decades after exposure. No one knows for sure if there is a safe level of asbestos exposure; therefore the only good policy is to avoid all asbestos hazards entirely. Most people who are exposed to well maintained asbestos in daily life probably aren't at any increased risk, but habits such as smoking can greatly increase your risk if exposed.

Where Do I Look For Asbestos in My Home?

You'll find at least some small amount of asbestos in almost any home built prior to the mid 1970s. The piping and duct work of many older heating systems are wrapped with asbestos insulation. Roof shingles and exterior siding, floor tile and adhesive, and linoleum sheet flooring are some of the more common products containing asbestos. The only sure way to know if you have an asbestos problem is to have a sample of the suspect material analyzed at a qualified lab. If you can afford it, you can hire state certified inspectors to inspect your home for materials containing asbestos and give you a report of their findings.

If I Find Asbestos, What Should I Do?

If the asbestos material is in good condition, the best choice is probably to leave it alone. However, if it's damaged then covering (encapsulating) it or completely removing it should be considered. At the very least, it should be repaired. It is recommend that you hire a professional state certified and licensed asbestos removal contractor.

What Are The Laws and Agencies that govern Asbestos Removal?

In the Cities of St. Louis and East St. Louis there are applicable state and federal E.P.A laws which apply to all of the previously mentioned procedures, depending on the type of building and the amount of easily friable (crushable by hand pressure) material involved. In most cases, privately-owned residential properties for four families or less are exempt, but always check with your local or state environmental agency about applicable standards. The federal EPA. regulation known as the NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants) rule applies to asbestos abatement operations throughout the country regardless of any other local or state laws. Where multiple regulations apply the strictest regulation always takes precedence. In no case may a regulation be applied which is less restrictive then the NESHAP rule.

If you reside in the City of St. Louis you can call the local Air Pollution Control agency at (314) 613-7300.

In East St. Louis contact the local State of Illinois Environmental Protection agency office at (618) 346-5120.

For additional information on asbestos visit the following EPA web sites:

Asbestos Home Page
Asbestos Publications