Asbestos was widely used as a component of ¡¥popcorn'
ceiling in homes or in the form of
asbestos ceiling tiles. It was also used as decorative sprays on the walls or for soundproofing purposes. However, off late there has been a lot of concern regarding the use of
asbestos ceiling tiles because of harmful affects of
asbestos particles on human health.
Hazards of Asbestos
ceiling tiles
Asbestos contains deadly silicate fibers that can be airborne on applying physical force on
asbestos ceiling tiles. The fibers when inhaled are retained by the lungs and cause potent lung disorders, such as mesothelioma or asbestosis. Even if ceilings are asbestos-free, certain insulation materials like Zonolite used in attic floors, can release toxic levels of
asbestos while fixing a
ceiling fan or a light. Asbestos
ceiling tiles may contain formaldehyde and such volatile organic compounds as components. Asbestos found in
ceiling tiles, if in good condition, causes no risk but loose, damp or crumbly
asbestos is dangerous. Drilling and scraping of such material is a health hazard. In those cases, the building owners should remove the
asbestos ceiling tiles or take necessary steps to prevent
asbestos exposure due to
asbestos contaminated
ceiling tiles.
Safe Handling of Asbestos
ceiling tiles
The best way is to avoid the use of
asbestos ceiling tiles. However, if you are using
asbestos ceiling tiles, you must take necessary
precautions to avoid
asbestos exposure. Some of the steps are:
„X Select low-emitting
ceiling tiles certified by a reputed organization like Greenguard Environmental Institute.
„X Use porous
ceiling tiles that trap odors and chemicals emitted from building activities.
„X Install
ceiling tiles in a building only after painting, flooring or other such work is over. This prevents the
ceiling tiles from absorbing and retaining the chemicals and organic solvents.
„X Recycle old
ceiling tiles under new programs.
„X Hire professionals to reconstruct
asbestos ceiling tiles as they adhere to safety norms and rules. Avoid sanding and dry-buffing
asbestos floors.
„X Follow wet stripping or use low abrasion pads below 300 rpm to avoid exposure.
„X Report any broken
ceiling tiles to Environmental Health & Safety Department.
File an Employee Exposure Report within 24 hours or as soon as possible with the Environmental Health & Safety Department in case of accidental exposure to asbestos.
Remember! A minor exposure to
asbestos fibers can cause lung disorders, asbestosis or mesothelioma. Therefore, it is better to safe than sorry.
About The Author:
Kirsten Hawkins is a
asbestos and mesothelioma specialist from Nashville, TN. Visit
http://www.asbestosblog.org/ for information on
asbestos reform, mesothelioma lawsuit news, and more.
Copyright Kirsten Hawkins -
http://www.asbestosblog.org
