Guidelines for Assessment and Abatement of Asbestos-Containing Materials in Buildings.

This report presents guidelines, based on available information, for the assessment and abatement of asbestos-containing materials in buildings. Section 1 provides background information on the history and use of asbestos-containing products in buildings, the characteristics of asbestos fibers, products and materials containing asbestos, and airborne asbestos fibers in buildings. Section 2 identifies examples of building systems that affect airborne asbestos fiber levels. Section 3 presents regulations, standards, and guidelines related to asbestos-containing materials in buildings. Section 4 examines methods of evaluating asbestos-containing materials in buildings by means of a regional survey, building inspection procedures, sampling techniques, and identification of available methods for evaluating the potential asbestos exposure. Section 5 identifies asbestos abatement techniques and provides guidelines for selecting appropriate techniques. Relevant figures and tables accompany the document. Appendixes provide (1) a summary of recent guide specifications and standards developed by industry, government agencies, and a standards organization that are related to asbestos-containing materials in buildings; and (2) a list of regional offices of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (PB)