City of Los AngelesDepartment of Building and Safety

Inspection Bureau

Training and Emergency

Management Division

ASBESTOS AWARENESS

2011

Presents

3

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that takes the form of

hollow, microscopic fibers which are nearly indestructible. It can be

densely packed into a tough, flexible and very useful material,

which has been used for hundreds of years as clothing, insulation,

fireproofing and various other building materials.

Asbestos mineral rock

4

There are three major types of asbestos used in building

and industry:

Chrysotile, or white asbestos - used as insulation,

fireproofing and soundproofing.

Amosite, or brown asbestos - used in high friction

applications like brake shoes & clutches.

Crocidolite, or blue asbestos - not as common as the

other two, but the most toxic form. Used in filters for Kent

cigarettes from 1952-1957, bourbon whiskey and the air for

hospitals.

About 95% of all asbestos used in the U.S. has been

chrysotile, the least toxic form of asbestos.

5

What are the origins of asbestos?

Asbestos is formed by geological processes. In the raw, long

fibers found in rock and is practically indestructible. The first

recorded use of asbestos was about 2000 years ago in China for

clothing and candle wicks. Large scale mining began about 1880

and at the turn of the century, Mr. Johns and Mr. Mannsville

developed asbestos gaskets that revolutionized the boiler industry.

Asbestos has been banned in many countries throughout the

world, primarily chrysotile and crocilodite , however many

countries continue to utilize other forms of the product.

6

When is asbestos a potential health hazard?

Asbestos that is “friable”; easily crumbled, pulverized or reduced

to powder in your hand when dry. Friable asbestos has the potential

to release asbestos fibers that can become airborne, and potentially

create a health hazard.

Asbestos that is bonded, coated, painted, covered or otherwise

protected so that it doesn’t release airborne fibers does not present a

health hazard.

7

What are some health effects that could result from exposure

to airborne asbestos fibers?

Asbestosis - a progressive, non-cancerous and

irreversible scarring of the lungs that can produce shortness of

breath. Typical latency period is over 20 years.

Pleural disease - plaque deposits or a thickening of the

thin tissue that separates the lungs from the other organs in the

body.

Lung cancer - cancerous tumors that have a latency

period of 20 to 30 years, usually fatal. 7-15 years to show

symptoms, usually related to smoking.

Mesothelioma - a cancer in the lining of the chest

cavity or abdomen, very rare but always fatal, 25-40 years to

show symptoms, mainly asbestos workers.

8

Some health effects that could result from exposure to

airborne asbestos fibers continued…

The link between asbestos exposure and lung cancer was

confirmed in 1955.

It is important to note that most asbestos related diseases

have occurred in workers who historically have had high

exposures to asbestos. Workers that mined it, milled it,

mixed it, applied it or manufactured it are at the highest

risk.

Workers whose only exposure to asbestos was in changing auto

brake shoes containing asbestos have shown no increased

incidence of any asbestos related disease.

9

Some health effects that could result from exposure to

airborne asbestos fibers continued…

Before asbestos was known to be a serious health hazard,

exposure levels to airborne asbestos in these industries may

have reach over 100 fibers/cc. This is 1000 times higher than

the current Occupational Health and Safety Administration

(OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.1 fibers/cc.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Research has shown that smoking significantly increases the

risk of lung cancer in individuals who are exposed to unsafe

levels of asbestos. 5 times higher in asbestos workers that

smoked than workers that did not, 100 times higher when

compared to non asbestos workers.

10

The P. Lorillard Tobacco Company used crocidolite asbestos in the filters it used

on KENT cigarettes from 1952 until 1956. Hollingsworth & Vose Co. made the

'Mictronite' filters that Lorillard used in the cigarettes. Between 1952-1956

Lorillard sold 13 billion Kent Micronite asbestos filtered cigarettes.

The packages above represent a typical Kent cigarette with the micronite filter

package. The filter media is made of crimped layers of paper, typical filter fibers

and crocidolite fibers.

A 1950s medical journal rated Kent as one of the best cigarettes for removing

harmful tar.

11

Manufacturing cigarette filters using the 'dry' process; this involved mixing the crocidolite

and other substances and depositing the mixture onto filter paper.

There is an excellent eBay seller that when listed has some the best Kent micronite filter

displays accompanied with a very detailed explanation behind the micronite filter and its

composition. Also there have been many in-depth analysis of the Kent Cigarette one such

research document is titled Crocidolite Asbestos Fibers in Smoke from Original Kent

Cigarettes, by William E. Longo, Mark W. Rigler and John Slade.

Other Asbestos Uses With Tobacco

A compound of tobacco and asbestos was mixed to make paper for cigarettes. The paper

is cut up like cigarette paper, and a number of leaflets are put together in book form. To

use it you take a leaf and roll it up between your fingers, and it is ready for smoking. As

asbestos has neither taste nor smell it does not interfere with the flavor of tobacco, while

the veil effects of smoking are obviated.

For pipe tobacco the mixture was made up so that the asbestos is not observable in the

mixture. It was very cool to smoke and consumed the nicotine in the tobacco, while it

burned right down to the bottom of the pipe. A pipe smoked with this tobacco-asbestos

was said to be always dry and left no filthy moisture in the stem.

Robert H. Jones, Asbestos, Its Properties, Occurence, & Uses, London, 1890

12

Asbestos fiber showing cancer growth

13

Microscopic view of asbestos fibers

14

Dissected mesothelioma infected lungs

15

Some well known fatalities from asbestos

• Paul Gleason, American actor, (The

Breakfast Club, 1985) died in 2006 of

mesothelioma. Most likely contracted

asbestos from working with his father’s

construction business when he was

young.

16

Some well known fatalities from asbestos

• Warren Zevon, American rock and roll

musician and songwriter, died in 2003

of mesothelioma.

17

Some well known fatalities from asbestos

z Actor Steve Mc Queen died of mesothelioma

in 1980. He was a heavy smoker, wore asbestos

suits when racing cars and rode motorcycles

extensively in the desert, a region known for

natural asbestos contamination. He blamed

the exposure from his time in the U. S. Marines

where he removed massive amounts of

asbestos from the boiler systems abroad ships.

18

Where is asbestos found?

Most buildings constructed prior to 1980

contain some form of asbestos. Asbestos was

banned from building materials in 1980,

however its use was allowed until all stock was

used up.

19

Asbestos is often a component in the

following materials:

• Fireproofing

• Thermal Insulation

• Boilers

• Ventilation Systems

• Ceiling Tiles

• Dry Wall, Taping Compound and

Plaster

20

Asbestos is often a component in the

following materials continued…

• Texturized Paints

• Roofing Shingles, Felt, Tar and Flashing

• Decorative Building Materials

• Sheathing on Electronics and Power

Cables

• Automotive and Elevator Brake Pads &

Clutches

• Transite Vents

21

Boilers wrapped in asbestos type of material

It has been estimated that one out of every four boilers installed before 1970

contains asbestos. Generally, if the boiler is coated with asbestos then so are

the boiler pipes. Usually the insulation on boilers is two to six inches thick

and contains chicken wire or some other for structural support.

22

This picture also shows asbestos mud joints that aresignificantly damaged. This pipe is also insulated withasbestos air cell insulation. Most pipes wrapped inasbestos also have asbestos containing joints.

23

An instance where new fiberglass insulation was applied directly over

existing asbestos insulation. Caution is needed when working on any

unlabeled material, particularly in areas where we have both ACM

(asbestos containing material) insulation side-by-side with new

insulation. If in doubt, assume the material is ACM.

24

Asbestos in good condition on heating pipes

25

Asbestos in poor condition on heating pipes

26

Incomplete or amateur removal. Fuzzy scraps of asbestos-suspect

material left on a rusty steel heating pipe in a basement indicate

that asbestos insulation was removed without cleaning and sealingthe surface of the pipe.

27

Here is a close-up of asbestos debris left on a heating pipe.

The insulation was simply removed without cleaning.

28

The gray corrugated, cardboard-like material pictured above is

AirCell (or Air-O-Cell) asbestos insulation

Ducts that are sealed and

wrapped in a paper like

material.

When contractors work on older

homes with asbestos wrapped

around the duct, they can have

the ducts removed by a certified

company, or wrap the asbestos

covered duct with insulation. In

homes the ducts are usually in

the attic, and in some commer-

cial jobs the ducts are on the

roof.

29

Air-Cell Asbestos Insulation

30

Some large commercial systems have asbestos

insulation wrapped around the HVAC piping.

Here is an example of common asbestos thermal system

insulation (TSI), similar in appearance to gray, wrapped paper

or cardboard.

31

• 9” x 9” vinyl floor tiles

32

9” x 9” vinyl floor tiles

33

Ceiling Tiles

Through the years particulate’s from fireproofing, pipe insulation, etc. settle on top of ceiling tiles and, when disturbed, become airborne.

34

Vermiculite and Zonolite

Insulation Products

Vermiculite and Zonolite

Insulation Products

35

Vermiculite and Zonolite

Depending on the mine from

which this mineral-based

insulation was obtained, it may

contain asbestos fibers and

could present a hazard in

buildings, especially if disturbed

during renovations.

These are U.S. EPA photos of the

bagged product. We are not

likely to see these on a jobsite.

36Transite Venting and Ductwork

37

Sonno-Duct

Sonno-Duct

38

Asbestos Shingle Siding

39

ASBESTOS-FREE MATERIALS - Examples of materials that

do not commonly contain asbestos but might be mistaken for asbestos-containing substances

Cellulose building insulation

40

Mineral wool insulation, developed in the

1850's and popular up to the 1950's, is a

mineral fiber that looks like chopped white

cottony material.

Slag wool is a manmade vitreous fiber made

by spinning slag into insulating fibers.

Mineral wool or "rock wool" is made from

natural minerals such as basalt or diabase. It

would not be expected to contain asbestos

fibers. It is a good insulating material and has

a better "R" value and more sound-reduction

ability per inch than some fiberglass.

41

ASBESTOS-FREE MATERIALS - Examples of materials that

do not commonly contain asbestos but might be mistaken for asbestos-containing substances

Mineral Wool, Rock Wool, or Slag Wool building insulation does

not contain asbestos

42

ASBESTOS-FREE MATERIALS - Examples of materials that

do not commonly contain asbestos but might be mistaken for asbestos-containing substances

Cotton insulating batts do not contain asbestos

43

City of Los Angeles Building Code

1966 Edition

DIVISION 39 – STAGES

SEC. 91.3904 – ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR STAGES ACCESSORY TO

GROUP A OCCUPANCY ASSEMBLY ROOMS

(d) Proscenium Curtain. 1. General. Every stage regulated by this Section shall be

provided with a flexible or a rigid proscenium curtain as set forth in this Subsection.

4. Flexible curtain. Proscenium openings less in area than 1,200 square feet may

be provided with a flexible curtain in lieu of the rigid curtain specified in the Subsection (a)

of this Section

Every flexible curtain shall be made of reinforced cloth weighing at least 2 3/4

pounds per square yard and containing at least 85% asbestos. The reinforcement shall be of

corrosion-resistant metal incorporated into the yarn before weaving. After fabrication, the

asbestos cloth shall be filled with a metallic pigment in silicate of soda.

*This requirement was eliminated by 1976.

44

2011 City of Los Angeles Plumbing Code

604.0 Materials

604.1 Water distribution pipe, building supply water pipe and fittings shall be

of brass, copper, cast iron, galvanized malleable iron, galvanized wrought

iron, galvanized steel, or other approved materials. Asbestos-cement, CPVC,

PE, PVC, or PEX water pipe manufactured to recognized standards may be

used for cold water distribution systems outside a building. CPVC, PEX

water pipe, tubing, and fittings, manufactured to recognized standards may be

used for hot and cold water distribution systems within a building. All

materials used in the water supply system, except valves and similar devices

shall be of a like material, except where otherwise approved by the

Administrative Authority.

45

City of Los Angeles Building Code

2011 Edition

SECTION 8116

SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR

LIGHT-HOUSEKEEPING ROOMS

8116.2.2 The cooking appliances used therein, if any, shall have no more than two burners.

If electric appliances are used, they shall have been tested and approved by the

Underwriters Laboratories. If gas appliances are used, they shall have been tested and

approved by the American Gas Association.

8116.2.3 The installation, maintenance or use of said cooking appliance shall not be

hazardous to life, health or property.

8116.2.4.2 The walls behind and adjacent to said cooking appliance shall be lined or

back-flashed with noncombustible material equivalent to 1/4-inch asbestos mill board.

The back-flashing shall extend from 12 inches below to 24 inches above the base of

the appliance. There shall be clear and unobstructed space of 36 inches above the

surface of the cooking appliance.

46

Can asbestos be identified visually?

There is no way to visually identify asbestos.

Many materials that contain asbestos look

just the same as materials that don't. The only

way to confirm that a material is asbestos is to

take samples and analyze the material in a

laboratory.

47

What can you do to limit your exposure to

asbestos?

Most buildings, especially older ones, contain

some amount of asbestos. But remember,

asbestos is only a potential hazard if it is

damaged and friable, releasing fibers into

the air we breathe.

48

I have heard about other products that contain asbestos like

compounds such as insulation and talc. What are the facts?

Talc a mineral, not a fiber, is manufactured from the same

mines and areas as asbestos. Any asbestos found in talc will be

very low in volume and is considered natural contamination.

PEL’s are below allowed levels.

Fiberglass is made from silicon, a derivative of granite.

Asbestos are considered silicates. Asbestos fibers are

considered microscopic, fiberglass are not. Formaldehyde is

used to glue the fiberglass together, however it’s formal

structure deteriorates within a few years. High quantities of

Formaldehyde are also found in particle board.

49

What laws regulate asbestos?

Federal Occupational Safety and Health

Standard 1910 (www.osha.gov) and California

Occupational Safety and Health Regulation,

Title 8, Chapter 4, Construction Safety Orders,

Article 4, Section 1529 (www.dir.ca.gov). The

State regulations are basically the same as the

Federal Standard, A.Q.M.D. Rule 1403.

G

50

Who is responsible to let others know if a

building contains asbestos?

California State Title 8 tells us that

“Building and/or facility owners shall

notify the following persons of the

presence, location and quantity of ACM

or PACM, at the work sites in their

buildings and facilities.

51

ACM-Asbestos Containing Material means any

material containing more than one percent asbestos.

Building/Facility Owner is the legal entity,

including lessee, which exercises control over

management and record keeping functions relating to

a building and/or facility in which activities covered

by this standard take place.

PACM-Presumed Asbestos Containing Materials.

Some Title 8 Definitions

52

Responsibility to let others know if a building

contains asbestos continued…

Notification either shall be in writing, or

shall consist of a personal communication

between the owner and the person to

whom notification must be given or their

authorized representatives:

53

Who is responsible to let others know if a

building contains asbestos continued…

• Prospective employers applying or

bidding for work whose employees

reasonably can be expected to work

in or adjacent to areas containing

such material;

• Employees of the owner who will work

in or adjacent to areas containing

such material;

54

Who is responsible to let others know if a

building contains asbestos continued…

• On multi-employer worksites, all employers of employees who will be performing work within or adjacent to areas containing such material;

• Tenants who will occupy areas containing such material.”

• Per California State Title 8, Chapter 4, Sub-Chapter 4, Article 4, Section 1529

55

What is AQMD Rule 1403?

AQMD Rule 1403, “Asbestos Emissions From

Demolition/Renovation Activities”, is designed to

limit asbestos emissions from building demolition and

renovation activities. AQMD must be notified 14 days

prior to any demolition or removal of more than 100

square feet of asbestos, unless the applicant declares

that notification is not applicable to the scheduled

demolition permit.

Per Information Bulletin P-B/C 2011-067

56

How do we know if it is safe to enter into an area that is

suspected of or known to have disturbed asbestos?

Department policy requires that a “Bulk/Air Sampling and

Clearance for Buildings where Asbestos has Been

Disturbed” letter be submitted to the department upon final

inspection approval.¹

¹Department Policy and Procedures, Inspection of Sites Containing

Disturbed Asbestos, January 28, 1992, Policy Order No. 70.

57

How we know if it is safe to enter into an area that is

suspected of or known to have disturbed asbestos

continued…

At the completion of asbestos fireproofing, removal and

replacement, air testing shall be conducted by an independent

testing laboratory upon request by the Department of Building

and Safety. The laboratory shall successfully participate in the

National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Proficient Analytical Testing Program(PAT). The results of the

air testing shall be signed by a Certified Industrial Hygienist.

A copy of this report shall be submitted to the inspector and

maintained in the file.¹

¹Information Bulletin P/BC 2011-66

58

Who can I call about asbestos removal or

demolition questions?

AQMD Asbestos Hot Line at 909-396-2336 Tuesday -

Friday, 7:00 am - 5:00 pm.

For after hours emergencies call 1-800-CUT-SMOG.

Leave a message stating the reason for the emergency

and if you want a supervisor to respond to your call.

Online: http://www.aqmd.gov/

59

Question: You walk into a jobsite and see this.

What do you do?

60

Thank You for

Joining us for

Asbestos Awareness

2011