A9: Assessing Health Risks for the Legacy Asbestos

Greater Columbus Convention Center 

Room: A 125 

CM Credit Hours: 1 

Most industrial applications have eliminated asbestos in Western countries. A significant volume of asbestos-containing materials is still present in natural and built environments. Therefore the risk of asbestos exposure still exists. As part of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) process, the U.S. EPA currently is performing a risk evaluation of legacy uses and disposal of asbestos. This education session will lead participants through the variety of risk assessment methodologies that should be applied to the risks associated with commercial asbestos exposure from historical (legacy) sources. Asbestos fibers levels in buildings with asbestos-containing materials will be assessed based on the available data. Different levels of disturbance can impact the asbestos exposure characteristics. Various dose-response models will be demonstrated to quantify risks for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of asbestos. The mineral types of fibers, their morphology and dimensions significantly affect the associated level of risks. The risk assessment approaches used by the U.S. EPA will be assessed from the position of scientific knowledge and practical applications.

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Evaluate asbestos exposure levels in a building with ACM.
• Determine health risks from legacy uses and disposal of asbestos.
• Compare the U.S. EPA approaches for risk evaluation of asbestos with other methods.
• Determine health protection measures for workers and communities. 

Intermediate

Q&A

Corporation/Company

All Industries

Aerosols & Airborne Particulates

Also part of the Virtual Program

Available as part of AIHA CONNECT OnDemand

Risk Assessment and Management

Standards, Regulations and Legal Issues