LETTERS: HOMEOWNERS CAN REMOVE ASBESTOS

To the editor:

This letter references statements made about asbestos-containing materials in the home-improvements section included in the April 11 Missourian.

In the article answering questions about home repairs, I noted an incorrect statement as it concerns residents of outstate Missouri. The questions was about asbestos shingles on a 1950s-era house and whether the shingles would be a factor in selling the house or whether they should be removed. The answer stated that a licensed asbestos removal contractor must conduct the removal work. That statement is correct in some states and cities, but not in outstate Missouri. In outstate Missouri, owners may remove asbestos from their own homes without regard to the regulations, even if done in an unsafe manner.

Asbestos-containing shingles are considered a Class I non-friable material. Friable means the material, in a dry condition, can be crushed between the fingers. And person, even untrained, may remove these shingles as long as the shingles are not broken in the process. A spray of water must the used continuously. Nails are to be pulled out using a board as a base for the pry bar. Lay, do not throw, removed shingles on a heavy sheet of plastic. Contact the landfill for instructions on preparation for disposal.

Removers should be aware that breaks in dry shingles can cause a release of asbestos fibers in the immediate work area of the person doing the removing. Asbestos is considered a hazardous material when it is airborne and in the breathing zone of the worker or occupant. Keeping the asbestos-containing material wet is very important, because wet asbestos fibers are similar to wet dirt. When dirt or dust are wet, they cannot become airborne.

At first glance, installing new siding over the asbestos shingles seems an appropriate action, especially since the singles are a good insulator. However, nailing through the shingles causes them to break, with the pieces eventually falling to the lower portion of the wall of the house. Drilling nail holes through the shingles creates dust (fibers) in the face of the worker.

Other asbestos materials: Though it is also permissible for outstate Missouri homeowners to remove friable asbestos in the form of linoleum backing, textured ceilings and other materials from their own homes, it should be remembered that asbestos fibers are lightweight and float in the air. This means one cannot wipe up all the fibers. And it means that the fibers may remain in the house for a long time, even without the knowledge of the homeowner, because the fibers are invisible.

Before removing an asbestos materials from your home, know that you are doing and know the risks your are taking, but with your own health and with the health of other members of the family. Prudence is always a good policy. And if the homeowner chooses to hire someone to remove asbestos, it should be a licensed asbestos contractor.

CAROL ROTH

Mead Environmental Associates Inc.

Cape Girardeau