Asbestos: Asbestos FAQ

What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is the name for a group of naturally occurring minerals that separate into long, strong, very fine fibers. The fibers are heat-resistant and extremely durable, and because of these qualities, asbestos was widely used in construction.

What are the health hazards of asbestos?
Asbestos tends to break down into a dust of microscopic-size fibers. Because of their size and shape, these tiny fibers remain suspended in the air for long periods of time and can easily be inhaled or ingested. The body's natural defenses cannot keep them out of the body. Because of the durability of asbestos, the fibers can remain in the body for many years, leading to health problems such as lung cancer. Symptoms of these diseases generally do not appear for 10 to 30 years after the exposure.

How do I find out if my home contains asbestos?
The only safe way to know for sure if material contains asbestos is to have a sample of the suspect material analyzed by a laboratory. Laboratories that do this work are usually listed in the Yellow Pager under "Asbestos, Consulting and Testing." They will provide you with information about handling the asbestos samples.

Can I do the work myself?
If you are the owner and occupant of a residence, you are allowed to remove asbestos-containing material yourself from your home as long as the home:

• is not used as a rental property
• is not used as a commercial business
• is not going to be demolished

You are however, required to follow LRAPA's storage, transportation and disposal rules listed under LRAPA Rule Title 43 - Asbestos Requirements.

The "Asbestos Waste Shipment Report Form" is used with the disposal process.

You may call LRAPA at (541)736-1056 for more information.

Do I need a permit?
A notification is required by LRAPA if the work being completed is not exempt from LRAPA rules. (See previous question/answer) The notification is required 10 days in advance of the date the work is scheduled to be started.

You may download the "Asbestos Notification Form" and mail or deliver it to LRAPA.

How do I hire a qualified contractor?
Most home repair or remodeling contractors do not have an asbestos abatement contractor's license or certified workers and are not equipped to work safely with asbestos. It is important to hire an "asbestos abatement contractor" to avoid creating an asbestos hazard where one might not otherwise exist. Ask the contractor if he/she is licensed to do asbestos abatement. Ask for references, or call LRAPA at (541)736-1056 to determine if the contractor has received past asbestos violations.

How do I dispose of the material?
All asbestos waste and the disposable clothing, filters, equipment and building materials must be disposed of as asbestos waste. The materials must be double-bagged and sealed in leak-proof containers such as 6mil plastic bags, labeled as asbestos, hauled to an approved asbestos landfill in a covered vehicle and disposed of according to state regulations. Contact LRAPA to determine notification, removal and disposal requirements and sites.

In Lane County, asbestos waste may be disposed of at Short Mountain Land Fill. Contact Lane County Solid Waste for a disposal appointment (541) 726-3047.

For additional information, who may I contact at LRAPA?
Contact Tom Freeman for further information regarding asbestos-related questions at (541) 736-1056 ext. 222.