Jefferson County Health Department

Asbestos is the name given to a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was mined for its many useful properties. It can only be positively identified under a microscope. Asbestos causes health effects when the fibers are inhaled into the lungs where they can cause damage to the respiratory system The three major health risks/problems associated with asbestos are: asbestosis – scarring of the lungs, mesothelioma – cancer of the outer lining of the lung and chest cavity and the lining of the abdominal wall, and lung cancer. Because the latency period for these cancers is 15-40 years, the effects from asbestos can go unnoticed for that long.

When asbestos materials are in good condition, they do not pose a hazard. Asbestos materials are considered to be in poor condition when they are crushed, chipped or broken and allow particles to become airborne. It is recommended that even asbestos materials in good conditions be monitored periodically for changes in condition. In the asbestos industry, they categorize asbestos according to its friability. Friable means it can be reduced to dust by hand pressure, and non-friable means it is too hard to reduce to dust by hand. Asbestos that poses the greatest risk to indoor air quality is friable asbestos in poor condition.

Asbestos was used for many reasons including its insulating and fireproofing properties. The following table shows some common uses for asbestos, but is not meant to be an all-inclusive list.

Cement Pipes	Elevator Brake Shoes
Cement Wallboard	HVAC Duct Insulation
Cement Siding	Boiler Insulation
Asphalt Floor Tile	Breaching Insulation
Vinyl Floor Tile	Ductwork Flexible Fabric Connections
Vinyl Sheet Flooring	Cooling Towers
Flooring Backing	Pipe Insulation (corrugated air-cell, block, etc.)
Construction Mastics (floor tile, carpet, ceiling tile, etc.)	Heating and Electrical Ducts
Acoustical Plaster	Electrical Panel Partitions
Decorative Plaster	Electrical Cloth
Textured Paints/Coatings	Electric Wiring Insulation
Ceiling Tiles and Lay-in Panels	Chalkboards
Spray-Applied Insulation	Roofing Shingles
Blown-in Insulation	Roofing Felt
Fireproofing Materials	Base Flashing
Taping Compounds (thermal)	Thermal Paper Products
Packing Materials (for wall/floor penetrations)	Fire Doors
High Temperature Gaskets	Caulking/Putties
Laboratory Hoods/Table Tops	Adhesives
Laboratory Gloves	Wallboard
Fire Blankets	Joint Compounds
Fire Curtains	Vinyl Wall Coverings
Elevator Equipment Panels	Spackling Compounds

Although renovation or demolition of a single residential structure of four dwellings or less is exempt from the asbestos NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants) requirements, all asbestos wastes are regulated solid waste and must be disposed of in accordance with the MO Solid Waste Management Law and Regulations and any local ordinances. It is recommended that you consult with the Department of Natural Resources Air Pollution Control Program prior to removal of any materials known or suspected to contain asbestos.

Links to more information:

Missouri Department of Natural Resources

EPA Asbestos Resources

Safety and Health Topics – Asbestos

Indoor Air Quality - Asbestos