NYC-WTC_000195120

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

ASBESTOS HAZARDTEXT ® - Hazard Management Page 3 of 3

asbestos include anthophyllite, amosite^ actinolite, tremolite, and crocidolite (blue asbestos). C. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral and can be released into the environment by erosion or mining. Asbestos released in this way can occur in air, drinking water, or soil. While natural sources normally account for a small fraction of total exposure, some areas have large natural asbestos deposits (Sittig, 1991). Living near natural deposits has been said not to confer increased risk for cancer mortality (Fears, 1976), although some studies have reported a relationship (Sakellariou et al, 1996; Constantopoulos et al, 1991). 1. Of commercial products, chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite are the only forms used in the USA. Chrysotile from Canada constitutes 95% of all asbestos used in America, and 93% of the world's consumption (ACGIH, 1991; ATSDR, 1995). The remaining 5% used in the USA is amosite and crocidolite from South Africa (ACGIH, 1991). In 1993, approximately 99% of asbestos used in the United States was chrysotile (ATSDR, 1995). 2. Anthophyllite originates and is used commercially in Finland (ACGIH, 1991). D. Asbestos is used intentionally or is present as a contaminant in many commercial products. Because of its widespread use, asbestos is ubiquitous in the environment (ATSDR, 1995). 1. Tremolite asbestos was estimated to be 2.15% in a bag of crushed limestone play sand. Its dust contained particles of asbestos fibers meeting the legal criteria (Germaine, 1986). 2. The following list contains general categories of commercial products which may contain asbestos (ATSDR, 1995; Finkelstein, 1989; Huncharek et al, 1989a, 1989b; Lerman et al, 1990; Mossman & Gee, 1989; Otte et al, 1990; Sebastien et al, 1989; Siracusa et al, 1988)-

Acoustical ceiling materials Asbestos cements Brake and clutch linings Fireproofing Floor tiles Insulation Patching plaster and joint compounds Pipes Shingles Textiles (fireproof clothing)

E. The use of asbestos in building materials has been discontinued in the USA since 1975 (ATSDR, 1990). It may still be used in other countries, however. Exposure to general occupants of modem or recently renovated commercial buildings in the USA is not likely to be higher than background levels (Reynolds et al, 1994). 1. Significant environmental exposure can occur from friable asbestos in older buildings which are deteriorated, remodeled, or destroyed. 2. Public buildings, such as schools, previously used asbestos as a fireproof insulation in ceiling or walls (Mossman et al, 1990; Mossman & Gee, 1989; Murray, 1990; Spumy, 1989; Stein et al, 1989). 3. In 1993, 50% of asbestos consumption in the United States was for roofing products, 30% in friction products (automobile clutch, brake and transmission components), 10% for packing and gaskets, 5% for asbestos cement pipe, and the remaining 5% for other uses (ATSDR, 1995).

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NYC-WTC_000195122