WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Asbestos is an abundant and naturally occurring mineral that is mined, usually in open pit mines. It is light-weight, strong, flexible, abundant, a good electrical insulator and does not burn. It has been used since at least Greek and Roman times. In the last century, with the advent of large scale production of composite building materials such as wallboard, floor tiles, insulation etc, it became a very useful ingredient in many of them as well as a thousands of other mass produced products. One of the most useful characteristics is its fibrous structure that resists breaking under stress. Unfortunately, when stressed, it releases microscopic fibers that remain airborne for extended periods of time and if inhaled can cause severe lung damage and cancer.

It was identified as a hazardous air pollutant by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1973. Production and importation of asbestos containing products is now severely restricted as is work (demolition, removal, disposal) with older asbestos containing materials.

In homes, existing asbestos is not usually a concern if the material that contains it is in good repair. As long as it is undisturbed it cannot get into the air, which is where it is dangerous. Homeowners are advised to find out where asbestos containing materials are located in the home and take steps to protect them from disruption. Removal and proper disposal of existing asbestos can be much more expensive than protecting them in place. In many cases it is impossible to tell whether materials contain asbestos without the help of expensive testing, so it is often easier and less expensive to assume a material contains asbestos and take simple steps to protect it from disruption.

If you suspect your house contains degraded asbestos products or you intend to do construction that will disturb existing asbestos, you should use a licensed contractor to insure the safety of the procedure. The Connecticut Department of Public Health web site lists all licensed contractors in Connecticut.

Schools are required to identify and monitor and protect all asbestos containing materials in an ongoing maintenance program. Madison public schools have retained an environmental engineering company to oversee their ongoing program and are fully compliant with asbestos related regulations.

The Environmental Protection Agency web page provides information on how to identify asbestos in the home. Click on "IAQ in Homes"

www.epa.gov/iaq

The Connecticut Department of Public Health web page lists all licensed asbestos removal contractors and testing laboratories. Click on "Agency Directory" and then "Asbestos in the alphabetical listing.

www.dph.state.ct.us