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Ar). What Ls '``"‘• (Isbestos? A • Asbestos is a mineral fiber ria found in rocks. There are several kinds of asbestos fibers. all Of which are fire resistant and not easily destroyed or be-graded by natural processes. Q . asbestos dangerous? A: Asbestos has been shown to cause cancer Of the lung and stomach according to studies of worxers and others exposed to as- testes. There is no level of expo- sure to asbestos fibers that experts can assure is completely safe. Some asbestos matenais can break into small fibers which can float in the air and these fibers can be in- haled. You cannot see these tiny fibers, and they are so small that they pass through the filters of nor- mal vacuum cleaners and oet back into the air. Once inhaled. ascestos fibers can become lodged in tissue for a long time. After many years, cancer or mesotnelloma can develop. In order to be a heelte risk. as- bestos fibers must be released from the material and be present in the air for people to breathe. n. Are all products with 'G• asbestos a health risy: for the consumer? NO. A health risk exists only It, when asbestos fibers are re- leased from the matenal or produce Soft, easily crumbled asbestos containing material has the c-;1 ealest potential for aseestos reiease and therefore has the greatest potential to create health rises. n. Do all people exposed to asbestos develop asbestos-related disease? A. NO. Most people exposed to small amounts of asoestos Co not develop any related health problems. Health stuoies ci asees- tos workers and otners, howev Show that the chances of Ceveloo- ing some senous illnesses, includ- ing lung cancer, are greater after exposure to asbestos. n . What hazards do , cigarette smokers face wizen exposed to asbestos? Do they have a greater chance of developing lung cancer than smokers not exposed to asbestos? 11. and oigarerte smoking to- getner have been snown to cause a greater risk of lung cancer than either the nse of cancer procleced smoking or worxing wan asoes- tos alone. Q . Where if) asbestos • used in the home? Asbestos has been used in a FL. wide variety of croducts, in- ctucing nousenoid arc building ma- terials, such as aopiianoes. ceil- ings. wall and P100 coverings, floor anc some rooting matenais. Sasically. asoestos nas Peen used in products for tour reasons: (1) to etrengthen the product material: (2) for thermal insulation within a prod- uct; (3) tor thermal or acoustical in- sulation or decoration on exposed surfaces; and (4) ler fire protection. n. How can / tell if! have asbestos in my home? The manutacterer of a rcc- 1. uct may be nee to tell you. based on the model numoer and ago of tne product. wnetner or not the product contains asoestos. Pewee vino have frequently worked with asbestos such as oiumpers, building contractors. ce heating con- tractors) often are aole to maee a reasonanie ;ucgment aoout wr.ether or not a material contains aseetos eased on a visual inspection. n. ifl find asbestos in my home, what should! do? A. In most cases. asbestos- containing materials are best left alone. When it is neces- sary to use or work wan asbestos- containing materials, reCuCe your bosure to fibers as much as stessiole. To neio you co :his. we nave o.rovic,ed some general guiceilnes on...sages) 10-11 tor worx- inc with oroeucts containing awes- tcs. ft at all pcesibie. get nelo from a contractor wro is trainee ane ex. penenced in working with aseestcs. Se sure tne contractor is familiar with and follows the guidelines on pages 10-11 for nancling as- testos-centaining materials. in general, ncrne repair contractors are not expenericei in the crc.".,,er procecures for nanclino aetTettos._!" YES. Asnestos exposure 4