The University of North Carolina at Pembroke's Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Office has developed this program to identify practices and procedures for the management of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in university buildings in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101 and 1910.1001.
Asbestos is found in rocks and soil. These mineral fibers have worked well for manufacturers for many reasons. For starters, they’re flexible and resistant to heat, chemicals, and electricity. That’s why they were widely used for years to make construction materials, automotive parts, and even textiles.
Other items that may contain asbestos include:
- Insulation in walls and attics
- Vinyl tiles used for floors
- Shingles
- Siding on houses
- Blankets that protect hot water pipes
- Fabrics that resist heat
- Car brakes
The fibers that form asbestos separate very easily into tiny pieces when they’re handled or damaged. They’re too small to see, but they’re easy to breathe in. They can build up in your lungs and cause health problems.
