; for(i=0;i<(a.length-2);i+=3) if ((x=MM_findObj(a[i]))!=null){document.MM_sr[j++]=x; if(!x.oSrc) x.oSrc=x.src; x.src=a[i+2];} } function MM_swapImgRestore() { //v3.0 var i,x,a=document.MM_sr; for(i=0;a&&i


Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals. The three most common types of asbestos are:
  • chrysotile;
  • amosite;
  • crocidolite.

Asbestos is commonly used as an acoustic insulator, thermal insulation, fire proofing and in other building materials. Asbestos fibers are incredibly strong and have properties that make them resistant to heat. Asbestos is often found in ceiling tiles, pipe and vessel insulation, blown on to structural beams and ceilings, in floor tile, linoleum and mastic.

Why is asbestos a hazard?

Asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become airborne when distributed. These fibers get into the air and may become inhaled into the lungs, where they may cause significant health problems. Researchers still have not determined a "safe level" of exposure but we know the greater and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk of contracting an asbestos related disease. Some of these health problems include:

  • Asbestosis - a lung disease first found in navel shipyard workers. As asbestos fibers are inhaled, they may become trapped in the lung tissue. The body tries to dissolve the fibers by producing an acid. This acid, due to the chemical resistance of the fiber, does little to damage the fiber, but may scar the surrounding tissue. Eventually, this scarring may become so severe that the lungs cannot function. The latency period ( meaning the time it takes for the disease to become developed) is often 25-40 years.
  • Mesothelioma - a cancer of the pleura ( the outer lining of the lung) and/or the peritoneum ( the lining of the abdominal wall). This form of cancer is peculiar because the only known cause is from asbestos exposure. The latency period for mesothelioma is often 15-30 years.
  • Cancer - caused by asbestos. The effects of lung cancer are often greatly increased by cigarette smoking ( by about 50%). Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract can also be caused by asbestos. The latency period for cancer is often 15-30 years. Despite the common misconception, asbestos does not cause head-aches, sore muscles or other immediate symptoms. As mentioned above, the effects often go unnoticed for 15-40 years.

When is asbestos a hazard?

Asbestos is not always an immediate hazard. In fact, if asbestos can be maintained in good condition, it is recommended that it be left alone and periodic surveillance performed to monitor it's condition. It's only when asbestos containing materials are disturbed or the materials become damaged that it becomes a hazard. When the materials become damaged, the fibers separate and may then become airborne. In the asbestos industry, the term "friable" is used to describe asbestos that can be reduced to dust by hand pressure. "Non-friable" means asbestos that is too hard to be reduced to dust by hand. Non-friable materials, such as transite siding and floor tiles are not regulated by the State provided it does not become friable. Machine grinding, sanding and dry-buffing are ways of causing non-friable materials to become friable.

How are asbestos containing materials maintained?

Friable asbestos can be maintained in place utilizing several techniques. Encapsulation involves applying a thick layer of an encapsulant, much like latex paint, that binds the surface of the material together and prevents encapsulation and routine monitoring are not enough to prevent damage. When damage occurs, removal may be the best option.

When is it necessary to remove asbestos containing materials?

There is no law that says asbestos has to be removed. It is only when the material can no longer be maintained in good condition and/or the airborne concentrations of asbestos are measured to be too high, or when the building is to be demolished or renovated, that removal may become the only option. In the State of Oklahoma, asbestos may only be removed by Licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractors, utilizing Licensed Workers and Supervisors. Oklahoma has always been one of the most stringent states in regulating the removal of asbestos containing materials and all projects are inspected by inspectors from the Oklahoma Department of Labor a minimum of three times (Oklahoma's regulations, however, do not apply to private residences or multi-family residences of less than 4 units or any Federal Property.)

When is it required to have a building inspection or survey? There are new Federal Regulations that require all material that has not been tested to be presumed to contain asbestos. Only inspection and sampling may rebut the required presumption. Any building owner who is renovating or demolishing a building is required by Federal law to have their buildings surveyed for asbestos containing materials. Buildings are not permitted to be demolished if there is friable asbestos present. Also, public and private schools, K-12, are required by AHERA, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, to be inspected and have a management plan prepared, which is to be maintained and available for public inspection.

Courtesy of Oklahoma Department of Labor Source: http://www.state.ok.us/~okdol/asbestos/asbestos/FAQ.htm.

  JP General Construction Inc.
300 W Golf Rd. Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
contact@jpconstruction.com		  
design: slyks.com
JP General Construction


Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals. The three most common types of asbestos are:
  • chrysotile;
  • amosite;
  • crocidolite.

Asbestos is commonly used as an acoustic insulator, thermal insulation, fire proofing and in other building materials. Asbestos fibers are incredibly strong and have properties that make them resistant to heat. Asbestos is often found in ceiling tiles, pipe and vessel insulation, blown on to structural beams and ceilings, in floor tile, linoleum and mastic.

Why is asbestos a hazard?

Asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become airborne when distributed. These fibers get into the air and may become inhaled into the lungs, where they may cause significant health problems. Researchers still have not determined a "safe level" of exposure but we know the greater and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk of contracting an asbestos related disease. Some of these health problems include:

  • Asbestosis - a lung disease first found in navel shipyard workers. As asbestos fibers are inhaled, they may become trapped in the lung tissue. The body tries to dissolve the fibers by producing an acid. This acid, due to the chemical resistance of the fiber, does little to damage the fiber, but may scar the surrounding tissue. Eventually, this scarring may become so severe that the lungs cannot function. The latency period ( meaning the time it takes for the disease to become developed) is often 25-40 years.
  • Mesothelioma - a cancer of the pleura ( the outer lining of the lung) and/or the peritoneum ( the lining of the abdominal wall). This form of cancer is peculiar because the only known cause is from asbestos exposure. The latency period for mesothelioma is often 15-30 years.
  • Cancer - caused by asbestos. The effects of lung cancer are often greatly increased by cigarette smoking ( by about 50%). Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract can also be caused by asbestos. The latency period for cancer is often 15-30 years. Despite the common misconception, asbestos does not cause head-aches, sore muscles or other immediate symptoms. As mentioned above, the effects often go unnoticed for 15-40 years.

When is asbestos a hazard?

Asbestos is not always an immediate hazard. In fact, if asbestos can be maintained in good condition, it is recommended that it be left alone and periodic surveillance performed to monitor it's condition. It's only when asbestos containing materials are disturbed or the materials become damaged that it becomes a hazard. When the materials become damaged, the fibers separate and may then become airborne. In the asbestos industry, the term "friable" is used to describe asbestos that can be reduced to dust by hand pressure. "Non-friable" means asbestos that is too hard to be reduced to dust by hand. Non-friable materials, such as transite siding and floor tiles are not regulated by the State provided it does not become friable. Machine grinding, sanding and dry-buffing are ways of causing non-friable materials to become friable.

How are asbestos containing materials maintained?

Friable asbestos can be maintained in place utilizing several techniques. Encapsulation involves applying a thick layer of an encapsulant, much like latex paint, that binds the surface of the material together and prevents encapsulation and routine monitoring are not enough to prevent damage. When damage occurs, removal may be the best option.

When is it necessary to remove asbestos containing materials?

There is no law that says asbestos has to be removed. It is only when the material can no longer be maintained in good condition and/or the airborne concentrations of asbestos are measured to be too high, or when the building is to be demolished or renovated, that removal may become the only option. In the State of Oklahoma, asbestos may only be removed by Licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractors, utilizing Licensed Workers and Supervisors. Oklahoma has always been one of the most stringent states in regulating the removal of asbestos containing materials and all projects are inspected by inspectors from the Oklahoma Department of Labor a minimum of three times (Oklahoma's regulations, however, do not apply to private residences or multi-family residences of less than 4 units or any Federal Property.)

When is it required to have a building inspection or survey? There are new Federal Regulations that require all material that has not been tested to be presumed to contain asbestos. Only inspection and sampling may rebut the required presumption. Any building owner who is renovating or demolishing a building is required by Federal law to have their buildings surveyed for asbestos containing materials. Buildings are not permitted to be demolished if there is friable asbestos present. Also, public and private schools, K-12, are required by AHERA, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, to be inspected and have a management plan prepared, which is to be maintained and available for public inspection.

Courtesy of Oklahoma Department of Labor Source: http://www.state.ok.us/~okdol/asbestos/asbestos/FAQ.htm.

  JP General Construction Inc.
300 W Golf Rd. Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
contact@jpconstruction.com		  
design: slyks.com