SAFETY BULLETIN

DEPARTMENT of ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH and SAFETY

Yeshiva University and Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University

 Phone: (718) 430-3529                e-mail:  jlquinon@aecom.yu.edu                      FAX: (718) 430-8740

                                                                                   September 6, 2007

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                                                                 Bulletin

Asbestos Awareness

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is the general name for a family of naturally occurring hydrated mineral silicate mined around the world. Asbestos is so common in the environment that more than 40% of the land area of the United States may contain asbestos minerals. The most common varieties of asbestos are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite.

Asbestos has been used for centuries in various textile applications and as insulation. Asbestos has high tensile strength, is nearly indestructible, non-combustible, and heat and acid resistant.  Asbestos is a hollow material and is ideal for electrical and sound insulators.  Modern industrial applications of asbestos started during the Industrial Revolution.  Asbestos was used as thermal insulation on steam powered machinery and locomotives because it could withstand extreme heat. Many older plastics, paper and textile products contain asbestos, as do industrial products such as sealants and cement pipes. After World War II, the asbestos manufacturers diversified the use of asbestos into more than 3,000 products like heat resistant fabrics, reinforced cement, and special filters for industrial chemicals, floor tiles, gaskets, brakes, and clutch linings.

How might I become exposed to asbestos?

The principal route of entry of asbestos into your body is through the lungs by inhalation of airborne fibers.  It is important to understand that the majority of people who become ill as a result of asbestos exposure were asbestos workers in ship building and manufacturing, they were exposed to high concentrations of asbestos fibers each working day without the proper respiratory protection. Asbestos-related diseases are not simply a result of the presence of asbestos in the surrounding environment. In general, a substance must enter the body in order to produce the disease associated with that substance. Asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and that are not damaged do not present an opportunity for exposure.

Asbestos in Yeshiva University

Asbestos is present in various buildings of Yeshiva University and are mostly in very good condition.   Asbestos can be found contained in vinyl tiles, corrugated (pop-corn) ceilings, laboratory benches, and pipe insulation throughout the buildings in the University.  Yeshiva University, through Facilities Services, Plant Operations, and the Housekeeping Department, diligently identifies areas containing asbestos. Trained personnel constantly monitor the identified areas and report to their immediate supervisors any problems or hazardous conditions. These problems are investigated, addressed and/or corrected to prevent any possible exposure to Yeshiva University employees.

What to do if there is a problem in your work area?

If you notice asbestos-containing material that is not in good condition or if there is a problem in your work area with asbestos-containing materials or suspicious dust: