Asbestos Illnesses Could Climb, Control Efforts Vital

DES MOINES - Asbestos related diseases kill an estimated 10,000 Americans every year, an epidemic that is expected to worsen, says a report based on federal health records and released by the Environmental Working Group.

According to the report, asbestos related illnesses kill more Americans each year than skin cancer, and nearly equals the number slain in firearm assaults. Because the latency period for asbestos diseases to appear can take several decades, illnesses are expected to increase as asbestos control programs did not occur until the 1980s, the report concludes.

The report ranks Iowa 30th for the number of cases of asbestos related illnesses. Nationally, many of the illnesses are for people who work with asbestos materials or live near facilities that processed the mineral.

"A cause for concern, but not panic, people should take common sense precautions to avoid inhaling asbestos fibers. The report highlights the continued need to manage the vast quantities of asbestos still present in building materials," said Marion Burnside, DNR asbestos inspector, who added that nearly 30 million tons of the material has been used in the U.S. for building materials.

Activities that create asbestos laden dusts such as building renovations, demolitions and building fires used as firefighter training are typically subject to asbestos release prevention regulations. Often these require a thorough professional inspection and lab analysis of suspect asbestos containing material, notification to the DNR and in some cases, proper removal and disposal. Private homeowners are not regulated, but should take precautions to prevent asbestos exposure.

Burnside inspects renovation and demolition projects statewide and last year received over 2,200 notices of projects subject to the asbestos release regulations. He also received tips from citizens concerned about demolitions and other large renovation projects.

Asbestos poses little health risks if the material is in good condition and left undisturbed. Fiber release and exposure occur during cutting, sanding and other renovation and demolition activity. Asbestos laden dust can travel great distances and expose the general public.

It can take decades after exposure for asbestos related symptoms to occur. The amount and duration of exposure increase disease risks. Workers with occupational asbestos exposure, especially workers who smoke, have higher asbestos related disease rates. Burnside said several Iowans have died from asbestos illnesses despite careers with no known exposure.

While private homeowners are generally not regulated, simple steps can avoid exposure. "Before you begin a home repair, have a lab test the item for asbestos," said Burnside, who noted that common dust masks do not provide protection. "There is no reason to remove asbestos materials if they are in good condition and left undisturbed," he said. "But when disturbing asbestos materials, it is best to have it professionally removed," he said.

Asbestos has been used in over 3,000 commercial products. In 1989, EPA banned most asbestos-containing products, but in 1991, this regulation was overturned by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.

"It is a common misunderstanding that asbestos containing materials are no longer sold. That is not true," said Burnside. "There are cases where asbestos materials were properly removed, but replaced with new building products that contained asbestos," he said.

Any business or individual compensated to remove asbestos materials is required by the Iowa Division of Labor to obtain a certified asbestos contractor permit. The division maintains a list of contractors.

For more information about asbestos visit www.iowacleanair.com or www.epa.gov. The report is available at www.ewg.org.