Asbestos at UCSF
The newsletter containing the article Asbestos at UCSF talks about the properties and hazards of asbestos in the institution and the ways the institution has made to reduce or eliminate these hazards to its students, faculties, and other employees. Asbestos microscopes are useful in identifying asbestos and its traces in the environment.
The article stresses that asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber and that the San Francisco Bay area has a relatively high level of airborne asbestos. How come asbestos is used as building and fire-proofing materials? The reason is simple. Asbestos is naturally occurring and has properties like high heat resistance, high tensile strength, and durability. Since asbestos is naturally occurring it is pretty much inexpensive making it the material of choice of most builders and engineers.
Too much of a good thing can be also be harmful. In this case, too much asbestos can be debilitating to a person’s health. Too much exposure to asbestos over a long period of time can make a person’s lung sick and could prove fatal.
Since UCSF building were mostly built with asbestos, employees and students are concerned with their health because they will be exposed to asbestos everyday. There are safety concerns in building parts constructed with asbestos like in the institution’s insulation of pipes and ducts, floor and ceiling tiles, wallboards, etc. But if these are not stressed or impacted in any way, there is no danger. People should only be alarmed if these parts are removed, repaired, or damaged because it will trigger exposure to traces of asbestos in the air.
The UCSF management follows the guidelines implemented by contracting specialty contractors that are responsible for the safe removal of asbestos prior to renovation or building construction. Strict procedures are implemented by OEH&S that are monitoring the work. Proper information dissemination as well as hazard precautions and containment are being done. These include notification that asbestos removal is in process, plastic curtains/walls being constructed to limit and contain asbestos dust in the designated area and hinders asbestos dust from going to other areas.
The article also mentions the existence of the Asbestos Notification Act which legally tells the building owners that were built before 1979 to make written notices that the building contains asbestos. These written notices should be mailed or given to all employees, tenants, etc. as well as posted all around the vicinity for the information of any person entering or making use of that building.
Asbestos microscopes can be used to magnify, illuminate, study, or analyze asbestos fibers. Asbestos microscopes could also be used to identify asbestos fibers in a specimen that is being tested. People should be aware of the facts about asbestos including the toxic amount that could invariably affect their health. Being wary and vigilant of these things is a precautionary method of ensuring one’s health.
Other old building owners should be aware of these issues to prevent future allegations and legal suits from their tenants. They should follow the guidelines and laws concerning asbestos for a safe and healthy environment.
