Asbestos

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that occurs in rock and soil1.  It was widely used in many building materials including: insulation, ceiling tiles, flooring, and roofing materials, because the fibers are strong and fireproof.  

Asbestos is hazardous if the fibers become airborne and are inhaled into the lungs.  Inhalation of asbestos fibers can potentially cause lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses. Materials that contain asbestos generally do not release asbestos fibers into the air unless they are disturbed.  Any asbestos-containing material that can easily be crumbled by hand is potentially hazardous.  Likewise, any demolition or renovation activity that removes or damages asbestos-containing material can be hazardous if safety precautions are not taken to prevent the release of asbestos fibers.  

More information can be found on the EPA website.

 

Return to:
Asbestos Coordinator

ATTN: Asbestos Coordinator
Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau
6125 Preservation Drive, STE 140
Chattanooga, TN 37416-3740