Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

Asbestos is now widely recognized as a health hazard and therefore its use and handling and is highly regulated.   Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma, an aggressive and fatal form of cancer for which there is no known cure. Mesothelioma is caused when asbestos fibers are inhaled and later cause in the thin membrane that surrounds the lungs, abdomen and heart. 

 

 In 2008, it was estimated that 1.3 million workers in the construction and general industries faced increased and significant risk of occupational exposure to asbestos. Those most at risk were in the construction industries, especially if involved in demolition, renovation or conversion projects where the likelihood of disturbing asbestos containing materials is very high. Asbestos is now highly regulated when it comes to working on any buildings where asbestos is likely to be present. Any construction that involves, repair, maintenance, or renovation of structures as well as transportation and disposal of asbestos products must adhere to federal, state and local safety regulations. 

 

Any material that contains more than one percent asbestos is considered to be an asbestos-containing material (ACM). If a site is known to contain ACMs then a competent person must be present, someone who can identify existing asbestos hazards and is trained in appropriate control and removal strategies. Approved respiratory protective equipment must be used and contaminated areas must be regulated until safe levels of air quality are established. 

 

NIOSH, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a bulletin explaining their desire to expand and clarify the 1990 recommended exposure limit for airborne asbestos. They are actively seeking the input of other Federal Agencies and stakeholders in order to increase scientific understanding of asbestos fibers in order to ensure that current occupational and health policies and practices are preventing exposure and possible later development of mesothelioma. 

 

NIOSH has developed a Roadmap and is inviting recommendations, scientific peer review, and public comment until 5:00 pm EDT on April 16, 2010. To submit comments, please use one of these options:

The hope is that through collaboration of interested and informed parties, policies can reflect the most updated scientific knowledge and, if needed, be revised to ensure optimal public and employee health in the workplace.

 

An estimated 2,500 to 3,000 people a year die from mesothelioma in the United States alone, and approximately 1,500 die of asbestosis.