Asbestos Defining Problems and Putting

Asbestos

Defining Problems and putting them into context

Environmental health risk management plan: Asbestos

The "Framework for risk management" when evaluating an environmental hazard takes a six-stage form according to the federal government:

Define the problem and put it in context

Asbestos possesses qualities that make it ideal for use in thermal insulation. It is strong and chemically stable. This is why asbestos is commonly used as an acoustic insulator, and in thermal insulation, fire proofing and in other building materials. However, "asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become airborne when asbestos- containing materials are damaged or disturbed," such as during routine procedures in cutting the material for insulation (Asbestos, 2009, EPA). "When these fibers get into the air they may be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause significant health problems" (Asbestos, 2009, EPA)

Step 2: Analyze the risks associated with the problem in context

Millions of Americans have been exposed to asbestos through their occupations or in their daily lives. While low levels not deemed to be hazardous according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is clear that there are severe health consequences that can result from continued exposure. Shipbuilders, workers involved in asbestos mining, milling, and textile work, and construction workers are only some of the individuals at increased risk because of their employment. Family members of workers in these industries can also be exposed through contact to workers' hair or clothing. This is why the federal government mandates on-site decontamination procedures in most industries where work is done with asbestos (Asbestos exposure and cancer risk, 2009, The National Cancer Institute).

For some -- and there is no way of telling who -- "although it is clear that the health risks from asbestos exposure increase with heavier exposure and longer exposure time, investigators have found asbestos-related diseases in individuals with only brief exposures. Generally, those who develop asbestos-related diseases show no signs of illness for a long time after their first exposure. It can take from 10 to 40 years or more for symptoms of an asbestos-related condition to appear" (Asbestos exposure and cancer risk, 2009, The National Cancer Institute). This also makes it difficult to connect certain levels of exposure and certain types of exposure with increased risk for cancer, lung disease, emphysema, or other illnesses related to asbestos.

Step 3: Examine options for addressing the risks

The EPA has used a two-pronged strategy: phasing out future use of asbestos and only 'grandfathering' in those existing structures with acceptable levels of risk. Asbestos has been used in many buildings and in many industries since the 1800s. It is used in strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, roofing, fireproofing, and sound absorption. Asbestos has also been used in ceiling and floor tiles; paints, coatings, and adhesives; and plastics -- even in crayons until recently (Asbestos exposure and cancer risk, 2009, The National Cancer Institute).

Thus, in terms of the stakeholders, many people are potentially at risk. Builders, shipbuilders who use asbestos to insulate boilers, steam pipes, and hot water pipes; mechanics who use asbestos in vehicle brake shoes and clutch pads; and everyone who lives in a structure which may contain asbestos or asbestos insulation could be at risk for some level of exposure, and the level of risk depends on the individual. Even a person who goes up to his or her asbestos-insulated attic in an old home on a frequent basis could be at risk, especially if he or she is a smoker. Smoking, because of the damage it does to the lungs, can exacerbate the damage of breathing in asbestos (Asbestos exposure and cancer risk, 2009, The National Cancer Institute).

Step 4: Make decisions about which options to implement

Given the risk, and the increasingly vocal calls for litigation regarding asbestos-related illnesses, an even more aggressive elimination might 'pay off' in the long run for industries that continue to deal with asbestos and for building owners whose buildings contain asbestos materials and insulation. More stringent exposure-minimization procedures and safety guidelines also seem required.

Step 5: Take actions to implement the decisions: Multi-source, multi-media, multi-chemical, and multi-risk context

Even though the risk was minimal, the federal government eliminated the use of asbestos in crayons in the interest of protecting children and the availability of other substances with which to replace the asbestos. For automotive workers who work on five or more brake jobs per week, OSHA requirements demand strict procedures to limit exposure (Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure, 2007, EPA.).