By Andrew HammettKristina DeerRachel Revis

Asbestos and Radon Exposure in Macon

OutlineAsbestos Around Us

What is asbestos?The ProblemPotential Health EffectsExposure Regulation and Reduction

Radon RadiationWhat is Radon?The ProblemPotential Health EffectsExposure Regulation and Reduction

Conclusion04/21/232

Asbestos Around Us

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What is Asbestos? a naturally occurring

fibrous mineral with high tensile strength, the ability to be woven, and resistance to heat and most chemicals.

used commonly in a variety of building construction materials, for insulation and as a fire-retardant.

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The ProblemExposure to flaking or shearing

asbestos can cause: asbestosis - scarring of the

lungs resulting in loss of lung function that often progresses to disability and to death

mesothelioma - cancer affecting the membranes lining the lungs and abdomen

lung cancercancers of the esophagus,

stomach, colon, and rectum

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Exposure Regulation and ReductionPermissible Exposure Limit

In both general industry and construction:Long term workplace

exposure must be limited to 0.2 fibers per cubic centimeter of air (0.2 f/cc), averaged over an eight-hour work shift

The excursion or short-term limit is one fiber per cubic centimeter of air (1 f/cc), averaged over a sampling period of 30 minutes.

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Exposure Regulation and ReductionAsbestos Removal

Releases fibers, at times safer to leave Asbestos.

Two Methods for Removal During Building Demolition:NESHAP AACM

In June 2006, asbestos laden flooring was removed from the Willet Science Center

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Radon Radiation

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What is Radon?A naturally occurring radioactive

gas produced by decay of radium, a derivative of the radioactive decay of uranium

Isotopes 219Rn, has a very short half life and

comes from 235U (0.7% of natural uranium)

220Rn, does not escape into air in

significant quantities 222Rn, occurs in decay of 238U (3.82 day

half life)

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The Problem 222Rn is main concern for public health 222Rn produces alpha particles formed from decay of isotope Particles enter body through inhalation

Radon enters individual houses/buildings through two methods:

1. Naturally occurring Radon is released from minerals in soil. Main concern for public health.

2. Radon dissolves in groundwater and migrates over long distances (up to 5 km).

Radon remains in solution until a gas phase is introduced (by turbulence or pressure release). May be directly emitted to gas phase above water table.

Radon in solution can enter house through pressure release from shower or bath

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Studying Potential Health Effects Studies of thousands of miners have been conducted in uranium,

iron, tin, and fluorspar mines in Australia, Canada, China, Europe, and the US.

Consistently demonstrated an increase in lung cancer incidence with exposure to radon.

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Cohort Study of MinersStudies demonstrated:

1) At equal cumulative exposures, low exposures in the range of the EPA action level over longer periods produced greater lung cancer risk than high exposures over short periods

2) Increased lung cancer risk with radon exposure was observed even after controlling for, or in the absence of, other potentially confounding mine exposures

3) Increased lung cancer risk has been observed in miners at relatively low cumulative exposures

4) Nonsmoking miners exposed to radon have been observed to have an increased risk of lung cancer

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Extrapolating problemsgenerally higher 222Rn concentrations, more airborne dust, and larger dust particle

diameter in mines compared to homesother toxic pollutants present in mines, age and sex

differences in sample population (miners vs whole pop.)

higher levels of physical activity (higher respiration rates, more oral or mouth breathing)

have shorter term high exposure compared to lifelong lower concentrations

most miners were smokers

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Exposure Regulation and ReductionBased on these and other studies, the EPA has

set Radon exposure guidelines:

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Exposure Regulation and ReductionWay to reduce radon in

your home:1. Test, determine if the

levels in your home are above 4 pCi/L.

2. Install a vent pipe system with a fan. This will pull the radon from the basement of a home and vent it through the roof.

3. A home should be tested every 2 years.

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ConclusionAsbestos and radon exposures can lead to serious

health problems including cancer and lung diseaseAsbestos is only toxic if it is released in to the air, so

sometimes it’s safer to leave it aloneRadon is dangerous at any level, so it should be

reduced as much as possible

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Questions

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References Clin, B.; Morlais, F.; Guittet, L.; Gislard, A.; Marquignon, M.-F.; Paris,

C.; Caillard, J.-F.; Launoy, G.; Letourneux, M.. Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Aug2009, Vol. 66 Issue 8, p7-7, 1p

http://ehs.okstate.edu/training/OSHASBES.HTM http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/help.html www.Mercer.edu http://www.buildings.com/ArticleDetails/tabid/3321/ArticleID/5

645/Default.aspx http://www.topasbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestosremovalcost.php Anonymous. EPA Study Looks for Better Asbestos Removal

Technology Professional Safety. Des Plaines: Jul 2007. Vol. 52, Iss. 7; pg. 6, 1 pgs

http://www.hertelglobal.com/?q=en/node/24 http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html http://www.lifehack.org/wp-content/files/2007/12/question.jpg http://www.ancestral.com/cultures/north_america/navajo.html

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