Officials Start Asbestos Awareness Campaign -- MesoLink.org -- 05-23-06

County officials have started an asbestos awareness campaign to make people aware not only of the dangers of asbestos but also that it is still present in many building and poses a danger to people today. The campaign comes after a rise in the number of violations taking place relating to asbestos and condo conversions.

Officials want people to be aware that anyone remodelling or converting homes or apartments built before 1980 needs to be tested for the presence of asbestos before any work is carried out. Many floors and ceilings in older buildings still contain asbestos, which is a known carcinogenic.

Dick Smith, director of the county Air Pollution Control District stated: “Asbestos is one of the most cancer-causing pollutants we deal with on a regular basis. There is no safe level of asbestos. If left undisturbed, it is not likely to cause harm, so homeowners don't have to worry if they aren't doing any renovations. But if asbestos fibers are inhaled during remodeling, they can remain in the lungs for years, causing cancer and other illnesses decades later.”

People must be made aware that if asbestos is discovered prior to the renovation or remodeling of an older building it is crucial to get experts in to remove it, and failure to do this could result in hefty fines and severe penalties.