ASBESTOS Q & A

PREVENTION & PROTECTION

1. What Does The Law Say About Asbestos?
2. How Can I Protect Myself From Asbestos Exposure?
3. How Can I Stop Smoking?
4. Where Can I Get Help?

1. What Does The Law Say About Asbestos?

If you currently work with asbestos, the Federal Occupational Safety and health Administration (OSHA) has set several standards for you. OSHA has set a limit for how much exposure a worker is allowed to have to asbestos in an 8-hour work day. Right now that standard is nor more than .2 fibers/cc of air. A cc is a cubic centimeter-about a thimble full of air. Remember, asbestos fibers are microscopic, so you will not be able to see them even if you are exposed above the legal limit. If you see visible dust containing asbestos, it is almost certain that the exposure is many times the legal limit.

If you work with asbestos, OSHA has also set a standard that requires you to be trained. Training must be provided by your employer and should include the proper ways to protect yourself. Ask your employer about this.

In addition, there is a standard for medical screening. If your exposure level is above .1 fiber/cc, the Federal standard requires yearly physicals, medical and work histories, and breathing tests. Chest x-rays are required every 5 years if it's been less than 10 years since first exposure, or, if it's been more than 10 years since first exposure, every 2 years if age 35-45, or every year if older than 45. Screening is also required before starting to work, and when you leave a job.

2. How Can I Protect Myself From Asbestos Exposure?

If you work with asbestos now, or are around asbestos, proper techniques are available to protect yourself. Consult with your employer about training. Any equipment and clothing necessary to do the job safely must be provided by your employer.

If you have a history of breathing or heart problems, and if you need to wear a respirator to protect yourself, you should first be evaluated by a doctor.

Recently, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended that all future uses of asbestos should be eliminated. The EPA believes that asbestos is simply too dangerous to use anymore.

For now, there are 3 ways to prevent asbestos from escaping into the air, and exposing workers and the public. Enclose it with a physical barrier. Seal it with a special coating. Or remove it. The method chosen should be matched to each specific situation. While only complete removal of asbestos will eliminate future problems, removal may not always be possible at this time.

3. How Can I Stop Smoking?

No one method works best for everyone. Whatever you think will work best for you, probably will. Smoking was a habit that you learned, which means that you can unlearn it.

Nicotine gum helps some people break the habit. Your doctor can give you a prescription for it. Nicotine patches have helped some people and are available through your doctor. Free or low-cost groups and classes are also available. Call your local chapter of the American Lung Association or the American Cancer Society, your local health department or health maintenance organization for this information. Other possibilities include hypnosis or acupuncture.

Here's something you can try right now: Cut several straws into cigarette-sized lengths. Put them in your pocket or an empty cigarette pack. When you feel the urge to smoke, take one out and put it in your mouth. Sure, you will probably feel silly, but lung cancer is pretty serious.

Most people do stop smoking if they want to on their own. It's not a question of feeling that you ought to quit. You must want to quit.

4. Where Can I Get Help?

[Please note: these contacts may be outdated. Ask the White Lung Association for current contact information.]

Please ask us any questions that you have. Other resources for information and support are:

Asbestos Victims of America
P.O. Box 559
Capitola, CA 95010
(408) 425-3646
Information, support, referrals, local monthly meetings.

American Lung Association
American Cancer Society
Call your local chapter for occupational health information.

Department of Defense
Public Correspondence
Directorate for Management
Washington, D.C. 20301
Information for ex-Navy shipyard workers.

Consumer Product Safety Commission
(800) 638-2666

Cal/OSHA
525 Golden Gate Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 557-1946
Worker education and employee consultation.

Environmental Protection Agency
Air and Hazardous Materials Division
215 Fremont St.
San Francisco, CA 941O5
(415) 974-8201
Serves Region 9 (Arizona and California).

Pacific Asbestos Information Center
University Extension
University of California Berkeley
(415) 643-7145
training and workshops for supervisors and workers.

Ask your union. Many unions have information and programs on asbestos.

If you have any questions about your legal rights, please feel free to contact:

Law Offices of Jerry Neil Paul
First Financial Plaza
16830 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 500
Encino, California 91436
Post Office Box 2067
Agoura Hills, California 91376-2067
(818) 865-2807
Fax (818) 865-0805

1. What Does The Law Say About Asbestos?
2. How Can I Protect Myself From Asbestos Exposure?
3. How Can I Stop Smoking?
4. Where Can I Get Help?