Asbestos & Lead

Introduction

The University is committed to maintaining an environmentally safe campus that is free of hazardous conditions for visitors, students, faculty and staff. As a vital part of that commitment, the Asbestos Management Program (AMP) is an ongoing activity, which includes coordinating construction, renovation, demolition, and maintenance activities with safe work practices involving asbestos.

History

The use of Asbestos by the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and earlier civilizations has been well documented. The industrial revolution resulted in technologies that created multiple uses for asbestos in industry. Insulation and fireproofing were the primary uses until the early 1930's, when the physical properties of asbestos were found to be beneficial to the performance of many construction materials. The use of asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM's) was greatly expanded in homes, schools and commercial buildings from the 1930's to the late 1970's. ACBM, in good condition, retains the asbestos fibers within the matrix of the material. These fibers do not pose a significant health hazard to building occupants under normal conditions. However, the disturbance of these ACBM's during demolition, renovation or maintenance activities, can cause harmful fibers to be released into the air. Inhalation of these fibers can cause disease or injury.

Health Hazard

Asbestos is a hazardous fiber. It has been identified as a human carcinogen through epidemiological studies conducted on exposed workers. The adverse effects have been primarily associated with workers heavily exposed to asbestos fibers in occupational settings, i. e., people working directly with raw and/or processed asbestos with little or no personal protective equipment.

Managing Asbestos

Suspect ACBM's are analyzed for asbestos content prior to demolition, renovation, or maintenance activities. Asbestos is abated only when required by these activities. ACBM damaged as a result of normal wear and tear or a catastrophic event, is abated when it is discovered. Inspections and/or bulk samples are contracted with a consulting firm licensed by the State of Texas. A licensed laboratory analyzes all bulksamples. When ACBM's are confirmed, proper removal is achieved, using work practices and engineering controls to minimize fiber release. All federal, state, and local regulations are followed by using licensed consultants for the design and monitoring and licensed abatement contractors for the removal. Air samples are collected during and at the completion of abatement projects. The abated space is not declared safe until clearance sampling indicates a quality of air that meets regulatory requirements.

The Asbestos Coordinator maintains general oversight of the program, acting as an in-house consultant to the Facilities Management staff, project managers, and maintenance personnel. The Coordinator maintains historical records, which include surveys, sample results, and project documentation. Members of the University community may contact the Asbestos Coordinator with questions regarding the Baylor Asbestos Management Program at (254)710–6601.