NYC-WTC_000195120

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

ASBESTOS HAZARDTEXT ® - Hazard Management Page 1 of 1

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ASBESTOS HAZARDTEXT ® - Hazard Management

11.0 ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD MANAGEMENT 11.1 POLLUTION HAZARD

A. Significant quantities of asbestos fibers are found in the environment in rivers and streams draining from areas where asbestos-rock outcroppings are found. Urban environments also contain asbestos, perhaps from brake linings and the flaking of sprayed asbestos insulation material (Sittig, 1991). B. Significant environmental exposure can occur from friable asbestos in older buildings which are deteriorated, remodeled, or destroyed. Public buildings, such as schools, previously used asbestos as a fireproof insulation in ceilings or walls (Mossman et al, 1990; Mossman & Gee, 1989; Murray, 1990; Spumy, 1989; Stein et al, 1989). When the structure is damaged (vandalism, weather), asbestos fibers may be blown into the air space of the building. The potential for toxicity is present if individuals are exposed to these fibers chronically (Spumy, 1989; Stein et al, 1989). Others have advocated prudence in public policy development because of negligible risks (Mossman et al, 1990; Murray, 1990). C. The main groups for current occupational exposure to asbestos include persons engaged in processing asbestos, pipefitters, auto mechanics (from brake linings), utility workers, steel mill workers, metalworkers, and boilermakers. The most heavily exposed are typically workers in the construction trades (ATSDR, 1990). Historically, shipbuilders and steam locomotive workers were also exposed; many of these individuals remain alive today. D. Significant secondary exposure and asbestos-related disease can occur to indirectly-exposed family members, persons handling asbestos-contaminated materials, or to those living in proximity to large point environmental sources (Zenz, 1994; Kilburn et al, 1985; Huncharek et al, 1989; Li et al, 1989; Magnani et al, 1993; Hansen et al, 1993; Schneider & Woitowitz, 1995; Sakellariou at al, 1996; Constantopoulos et al, 1991; Berry, 1997; Donmez et al, 1996; Magnani et al, 1997; Schneider et al, 1996; Selcuk et al, 1992; Dodoli et al, 1992). E. An analytical survey was conducted for the presence of asbestos in composts collected from 26 communities nationwide. The purpose of the study was to determine if asbestos, a common contaminant in sewage sludge, was detectable in these compost materials. Asbestos was detected in 12 of the 26 sample composts (46%). The asbestos was most consistently found in compost resulting from source material containing municipal solid waste and to a lesser extent sewage sludge and yard waste (Manos et al, 1992).

http://www.tomescps.com/DATA/DT/DT356-b.htm 1/4/2002

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NYC-WTC_000195141