Do in-place friable asbestos insulation materials pose a threat to public health?

Numerous studies of buildings containing friable asbestos insulation materials demonstrate that air-borne dust levels within these buildings are not significantly different than in outside ambient air (0.1 to 1 fibres/litre). As a result, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the government authorities of several countries have therefore concluded that when in good condition, these materials do not pose a health problem to the occupants. However, management programmes, which include inspections and corrective measures whenever necessary, are recommended for buildings containing asbestos insulation materials. Moreover, all maintenance workers must have access to adequate safety equipment and receive intensive training and information programs to ensure correct work practices are followed when handling these materials. Removal of asbestos insulation should be considered a measure of last resort, and undertaken only when the material is beyond repair or at the time of major r ... more