Asbestos insulation Q&A fact sheet

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

V ATSDF. - Ouestions and Answers - Exposure to Asbestos in Insulation fi:;: http://ww^.a^.cdc.gov/NEWS/asb^tosinsuIatioii2;litml

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Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Questions and Answers Exposure to Asbestos in Insulation

How do 1 know if my insulation contains asbestos?

The only sure way to know is to have insulation samples collected by a state-certified inspector and then have the samples analyzed by a state-certified testing laboratory.

Is mv family at risk of exposure to asbestos if we have renovated and removed or otherwise disturbed the asbestos insulation?

Asbestos fibers are microscopic. These tiny fibers can be present in the dust in an area where asbestos insulation is disturbed. If you observed a lot of dust when removing or disturbing the asbestos, it is possible that you inhaled some asbestos fibers. Usually, however, it takes more exposure than a few trips to the attic to develop the health problems associated with exposure to asbestos.

If you are concerned about possible exposure, consult a physician who specializes in environmental or occupational medicine. It usually takes many years after an exposure for symptoms to develop; however, you should see a doctor if you develop problems breathing or notice any change in your breathing ability.

I need to have asbestos insulation removed, what should I do?

There are specialized firms that are certified in removing asbestos safely. You may be able to locate these firms through your state, county, or local health department. If you think you have asbestos insulation, do not attempt to remove it yourself.

Am I at risk if I have personally removed or handled asbestos insulation? If removing or handling the asbestos created a lot of dust, the dust may have contained tiny asbestos fibers. You could have inhaled some of those fibers.

Exposure to asbestos puts you at risk for lung diseases; that risk may be made worse by activities such as smoking. Although some people have developed severe illnesses from short-term or limited exposures, in general the greater the exposure to asbestos the greater the chance of developing health effects.?If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to asbestos, you may consider visiting a physician experienced in identifying and treating asbestos exposure, such as a physician specializing in occupational and environmental medicine.

I have insulation in my attic. Will it harm me to go into the attic?

If the insulation does not contain asbestos, then there is no threat of harm from asbestos-related illnesses from exposure to it. However, many types of insulation can be irritating to the skin, nose, throat, and lungs.

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