US EPA

22483 

Technical Report 

Sprayed asbestos-containing materials in buildings: a guidance document 

Sawyer, RN; Spooner, CM 

1978 

NIOSH/00146436 

U 

EPA-450/2-78-014 

2-78 

The hazardous effects of asbestos (1332214) exposure on humans are reviewed. The potential health hazards from asbestos fibers are described. The increasing use of asbestos in many consumer products over the past several decades is outlined. The necessity of regulating the use of this mineral by the US Environmental Protection Agency and other Federal regulatory bodies is discussed. The regulations that are enacted to protect the public, the environment, and the worker are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the workforce involved in the use, removal, and disposal of asbestos material in the construction business. Asbestos in all its physical forms is considered a serious respiratory hazard. Fibers of asbestos, though invisible, may be buoyant even in still air. The unique persistence of asbestos fibers in the environment and its chemical carcinogens are discussed. This persistence in the environment is the basis for its continuous persistence in construction sites. The clinical features of asbestos related diseases are outlined. Epidemiological studies on different carcinomas of the lungs are presented. The current standards in asbestos regulation are described. The analytical techniques for measuring asbestos in the workplace and in the environment are discussed. The temporary, long term control measures and asbestos emission control and personnel protection are described. Processes of asbestos removal in dry and wet states are discussed.