What is the likelihood that someone exposed to low levels of asbestos will develop asbestos-related diseases?
It is well established from numerous studies that there is a correlation between asbestos exposure disease on asbestos workers and animals. Though scientists have tried to find an estimate, the jury is still out on the effects of low-level exposure to asbestos on people living in a home or who spend time in commercial buildings with low levels of asbestos-containing materials.
In 1988 the EPA sponsored a survey to determine the exposure to asbestos-containing material (ACM) in commercial and public buildings. The data revealed that school buildings contained more ACM than commercial and public buildings, 35% vs. 20%, respectively. However, limitations in the data rule out the number of persons exposed exposure levels or the exposure level of service and maintenance workers in contrast with the public.
There are currently ongoing studies on the effects of low-level asbestos exposure. The Health Effects Institute—Asbestos Research has published a review that postulates that if asbestos workers were exposed to a level of 0.1 f/cc—fibers per cubic centimeters—for 20 years, the risk of premature cancer deaths would be 2 in 1000. The same speculative calculations predicted that based on the average level of 0.0002 f/cc for the building reviewed in their survey, for occupants of these buildings, the risk of premature cancer deaths would be 4 per 1,000,000.
An EPA risk assessment calculation proposes that if asbestos exposure were to be eradicated in schools, we would potentially reduce the overall risk to a segment of our populace who may later be exposed to asbestos in commercial and public buildings.
Even if the risk of asbestos exposure was eliminated in schools there remains a risk of exposure in other places where there is a presence of asbestos.
When exposure to asbestos increases, the chance for asbestos fibers to accumulate in the lungs rises. Reducing exposure to asbestos fibers is the best way to prevent the accumulation of asbestos in the lungs, thus preventing adverse health effects.
Is there a safe level of asbestos exposure?
According to the EPA’s thorough review, the answer is No! There is no level of exposure under which the risks of contracting an asbestos-related disease is zero. That is, there is no zero threshold level of exposure. Based on this fact, the federal government decided to control or eliminate asbestos exposure and implemented the AHERA act (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) in 1986.
Are there safer alternatives to asbestos?
The other alternatives to asbestos are manufactured mineral fibers, a generic term that refers to fibrous inorganic material made primarily from rock, clay, clag, or glass. However, there are health concerns regarding exposure to these fibers. These alternative products have thicker fiber diameters, making them less respirable than very thin fibers of asbestos minerals. However, as manufacturing and extruding processes advance, some of these manufactured mineral fibers achieve thinner, more respirable diameters. Studies have shown that refractory ceramic fibers, which are thin, respirable, and durable, may be more of a potential cancer risk than previously believed
How do I know if my home or office has asbestos?
If you are concerned about the presence of asbestos where you live or work, you can send in a sample to an asbestos testing lab for analysis and get results within one week or less. You can find an asbestos testing lab by conducting a simple online search.
Where can I send a sample for asbestos testing?
Mail-in asbestos testing:
5 Microns Inc.
7100 Fort Dent Way #100
Tukwila, WA 98188
IMPORTANT-MUST READ FIRST: All mail-in samples must have a tracking number and include our asbestos chain of custody form to be processed. If the chain of custody form is missing, your sample(s) will not be accepted and processed. Drop-offs MUST have the COC form inside your package but not in the sample bag. DO NOT MAIL YOUR SAMPLES BY FIRST CLASS MAIL. Send your sample(s) via USPS Priority Mail, UPS, and FedEx. It is essential to closely follow these directions so our asbestos testing lab can promptly process your sample(s).
*PLEASE NOTE FOR ALL DROP-OFFS: All samples must be dropped off at the back of the office building located at 7100 Fort Dent Way Tukwila WA outside the Tabor 100 Office and placed inside the black drop-box pictured below. Do not take your samples to the front desk. The front desk will not accept drop-offs over the counter, NO EXCEPTIONS
