The G. R. Little Theatre and the north and south wings of the G.R. Little Library on the campus of Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, NC, are closed until mid-April while crews remove asbestos from the facilities. According to a report by staff writer Kristin Pitts, which appears in the Daily Advance, the asbestos removal is part of a planned renovation that will make the existing facilities more energy efficient. The university is in compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for safe asbestos removal.

According to the news report, university spokeswoman Kesha Williams says that other ECSU buildings could potentially contain asbestos, as the material was commonly used in construction prior to the 1970s. However, the material is generally not dangerous unless it is disturbed. The university was proactive in securing an asbestos abatement company to safely remove the existing asbestos during its remodeling of the library and theatre buildings.

During processes like remodeling and demolition, materials containing asbestos may release microscopic fibers that can be inhaled into the lungs. Inhaled asbestos fibers may cause asbestosis, a severe scarring of the lungs, or mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that may affect the lining of the chest and lungs, the abdomen, or, more rarely, the heart.

The news report says Clean Air Environmental, Inc., a Winston-Salem based company, has been contracted to remove the asbestos from the library and theatre buildings. Project manager Omar Martinez told the paper that the company is currently completing the second phase of what it expects will be a three-part asbestos removal process. He told the reporter that the company is using “negative airs and amended water to capture any [asbestos] fibers” and workers double-bag hazardous materials and properly dispose of the hazardous waste to ensure the safety of workers, students and others on campus in the area of the project.

Energy-saving equipment planned for the library and theatre buildings include new lighting fixtures and an upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit.

Sears, Roebuck and Co. will pay a civil penalty of $55,000 to the State of Massachusetts for a violation of its Clean Air Act and Consumer Portection Act following the improper removal of asbestos from a customer’s home. The story in the Wicked Local Pembroke reports Sears contractors improperly removed asbestos when replacing a boiler in October 2004.

The news agency reports that the complaint filed in Suffolk Superior Court notes that Sears assured its customer that it could remove an existing boiler, which contained asbestos insulation, and replace it with a new one, safely and cost-effectively. The complaint says Sears assured the customer the workers would be properly licensed and trained.

However, the workers who arrived to complete the work – a plumber and second subcontractor – were not licensed or trained to handle asbestos. The complaint notes that the workers removed the existing boiler wearing no protective gear, did not seal the area, and dropped the boiler, breaking it open and releasing asbestos into the air when the insulation crumbled. The workers cleaned up the spilled asbestos insulation material with their bare hands, and disposed of it in regular black trashbags, the Wicked Local reports.

Asbestos dust was released into the air in the customers’ basement and first-floor area, exposing them to carcinogens. Asbestos is linked to the development of asbestos related diseases including mesothelioma and asbestosis.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), contractors need to determine whether asbestos is present pior to conducting any renovation or demolition activity. Companies doing work on a project that possibly contains asbestos are required to hire a Division of Occupational Safety (DOS) certified asbestos abatement contractor.

If asbestos is present, there are MassDEP requirements for anyone handling asbestos, including special supplies and equipment, specific work practices including setting up a containment area, air filtration equipment, packaging and labeling of waste. If the area is contaminated by improper handling of asbestos, MassDEP says, cleanup procedures specific to the job are required.

Contractors should check with their state office of Environmental Protection or Occupational Safety before beginning any project that may involve asbestos, as regulations may vary from state to state.

According to the Massachusetts complaint, Sears subcontractors never notified their Department of Environmental Protection or filed an Asbestos Notification Form when removing the boiler.

The Wicked Local reports part of the settlement will require Sears to develop and implement a customized asbestos training program for salespeople and managers, and to provide enhanced supervision on all jobs where asbestos may be present.

Recently, it has been reported in the news that older vinyl flooring is made with asbestos. A common home repair project is replacing a worn vinyl or linoleum floor. What are the dangers? Should homeowners hire a professional?

There seem to be conflicting opinions on this issue, with some experts saying that removal of vinyl flooring is relatively safe if proper precautions are followed, and others recommending that you call asbestos abatement professionals.

James Carey and Morris Carey, known as the Carey Bros., are nationally-recognized experts on home building and renovation. They share their 55+ years of experience as award-winning, licensed contractors with millions of people nationwide through a weekly radio program and syndicated newspaper column, both titled On The House. You can also find their information on their web site, at www.onthehouse.com.

The Carey Bros. recently addressed this issue. They point out that vinyl flooring usually comes in two forms – tiles and sheeting. They say the tiles are safer to remove because the asbestos is held together by the vinyl during removal.

The brothers report, “Folks licensed in asbestos abatement tell us that removing the floor in large chunks is reasonably safe. However, breaking it into little tiny pieces during the process could be dangerous.”

However, they also acknowledge that no amount of asbestos is considered safe. Research shows that ANY exposure to any amount of asbestos can be dangerous, because even one fiber can be inhaled and imbed itself in the lungs. Asbestos does not leave the body or dissipate over time. Once you are exposed, it is there. It may not necessarily cause asbestos disease, but you are at risk.

According to literature compiled by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and the Spokane County Air Pollution Control Authority, homeowners are warned that by removing materials potentially contaminated with asbestos themselves, they are accepting serious health risks.

Also, the Spokane publication points out that homeowners are liable when they choose to remove asbestos containing materials themselves. They note that “Your only legal options in having asbestos removed from your home are to hire a certified asbestos abatement contractor or do the work yourself. The law prohibits you from hiring anyone other than an asbestos abatement contractor to perform asbestos removal work. Family members and friends may participate legally, provided they do so as unpaid volunteers.”

The Puget Sound and Spokane guides are EXCELLENT resources for weighing the risks and options for this type of project. You can download a PDF version of the Vinyl Removal – How-to Manual or Asbestos-Vinyl removal warning documents. These are essential reading prior to starting a project like this.

Also, it is important to check to make sure that your state does not have any special legislation pertaining to asbestos-removal from a private residence. You may want to check with your local Homebuilders Association.

• Asbestos is Leading Risk Factor for Mesothelioma
• Asbestosis
• Adenocarcinoma
• Asbestos Information
• Asbestos Exposure
• Asbestos Products
• Asbestos History
• Asbestos Legislation

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