Environmental Resources Management
HomePollution Prevention
- Air Pollution
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Managing Air Pollution
- Asbestos
- Ozone
- Toxic Air Pollutants
- Air, Land & Water Reports
Asbestos
In general, asbestos refers to the naturally hydrated silicas which are found in rocks of two mineral groups: serpentine and amphibole. The serpentine group includes chrysotile (white) asbestos, which comprises 95% of all of the asbestos utilized in the United States. The amphibole group includes the asbestiform or fibrous varieties like amosite (brown) and crocidolite (blue) asbestos.Asbestos fibers are noncombustible, resistant to corrosion and degradation, have relatively high tensile strength, are chemically and thermally stable, and have low thermal and electrical conductivities. These properties make the fibers desirable for use in the manufacture of many industrial and commercial products. It has been estimated that asbestos fibers have been used in over 2,000 products.
Asbestos use in the United States has declined steadily over the past several years due to the ban that was imposed in 1975.
Renovations and demolitions of facilities that may have asbestos are required to submit a Notice of Demolition or Asbestos Renovation form. For more information on Asbestos Demolition or Renovation, visit our Asbestos FAQs page or please call 305-372-6925.
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View the Affidavit for Asbestos Survey
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View our Asbestos Brochure (3 MB)
Impacts of asbestos
Asbestos is a known human carcinogen and has been known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare form of chest and abdominal cancer) and asbestosis which is an irreversible, non-cancerous respiratory disease characterized by scarring of lung tissue. According to previous studies, the probability of developing any of the above ailments significantly increases when the effects of cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure are combined. No scientific evidence exists to date that indicates that asbestos fibers are hazardous upon contact with human skin.
The presence of asbestos in a building does not necessarily mean that the health of its occupants is endangered. Exposure is unlikely as long as the Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM) remains intact and undisturbed. Potential exposure to asbestos occurs when building maintenance, repairs, renovations or other activities disturb or damage the ACM, causing a release of asbestos fibers.
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