Most people are exposed to small amounts of asbestos in their daily lives and do not develop health problems. When disturbed, however, asbestos can become an air toxic, releasing fibers which can be inhaled or ingested. Asbestos fibers may be released into the air by the disturbance of asbestos-containing material during product use, demolition work, building or home maintenance, repair, and remodeling. Asbestos fibers can remain in the lungs for a long time, increasing the risk of disease.

Studies of people who were exposed to asbestos in factories and shipyards have shown that breathing high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of:

• lung cancer;

• mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the chest and the abdominal cavity; and

• asbestosis, in which the lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue.

Researchers have not yet determined a safe level of exposure, but know that the greater and longer the exposure, the greater risk of the contracting an asbestos-related disease. Risks of lung cancer and mesothelioma increase with the number of fibers inhaled. The risk of lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibers is also greater for smokers. People who develop asbestosis have usually been exposed to high levels of asbestos for a long time. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the abatement and disposal of asbestos-containing materials from any public or private building involving demolition, renovation, repair, construction, and maintenance activities.

EPA certifies and licenses asbestos-removal contractors, inspects asbestos-abatement projects, and enforces laws regarding the proper removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. The agency also educates homeowners about the dangers of exposure to asbestos and how to deal with asbestos in the home.

DEQ regulates the abatement and disposal of asbestos-containing materials from large industrial sources subject to the Tier I operating permit program.

Currently, EPA contracts with Industrial Hygiene Resources in Garden City, Idaho, to regulate asbestos removal and disposal projects in Idaho at all facilities except Tier I facilities. DEQ regulates asbestos removal and disposal activities only at Tier I facilities.

For more information about asbestos abatement and disposal in Idaho at non-Tier I facilities, contact:

Industrial Hygiene Resources
206 Murray Street
Garden City, ID 83714
(208) 323-8287

For more information about asbestos abatement and disposal in Idaho at Tier I facilities (large industrial facilities), contact:

Tim Trumbull

Air Quality Analyst

Department of Environmental Quality

1410 N. Hilton

Boise, ID 83706

(208) 373-0433

For smaller facilities please contact:

U.S. EPA Asbestos Web Site
Includes information on the health effects of asbestos, how to handle it in your home, and related laws and regulations.

U.S. EPA Region 10 Asbestos Web Site
Find regulations, guidance, and information for removal contractors as well as homeowners.

Asbestos Exposure and Your Health

A pdf publication of the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.