Region 8
Serving Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and 27 Tribal Nations
Asbestos in Region 8
An excellent thermal and electrical insulator, asbestos has been widely used in buildings for more than fifty years. However, asbestos is known to cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Asbestos is a carcinogen, so there is no "safe" exposure threshold. Other cancers, primarily of the digestive tract, also have been associated with exposure to asbestos. Moreover, these asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period, which means symptoms may not appear until 20 to 40 years after exposure.
Asbestos-contaminated vermiculite was reported in Libby, Montana in late November, 1999. Read about EPA Action in Libby for more information.
Probably the largest single source of asbestos in the indoor air we breathe is insulation. In accordance with the Clean Air Act, Section 112, EPA established National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) to protect the public health, and promulgated the Asbestos NESHAP in 40 CFR Part 61 on April 6, 1973. NESHAP regulations protect the public by minimizing the release of asbestos fibers during activities involving the processing, handling, and disposal of asbestos-containing material (ACM). They specify work practices to be followed during demolition and renovation of all structures, installations, and buildings (excluding residential buildings having four or fewer dwelling units).
Training and certification is required for all asbestos removal occupations. Each State in Region 8, except Wyoming, has its own accreditation of trainers and certification of persons in each asbestos occupation (i.e., worker, contractor/supervisor, inspector, management planner, project designer, and project monitor).
For any questions regarding the information found in this site or other asbestos-related inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact the asbestos program staff.
Frequently Asked Asbestos Questions
I am looking at a home to buy. It has asbestos siding. What needs to be done?
If the siding is in good condition -- not broken or crumbling -- it may be painted over or covered with other material. It is more hazardous to remove it than to contain it. If it is deteriorated -- broken and crumbling -- and it has to be removed, a certified asbestos contractor should be hired to do the job. The waste has to be handled according to requirements and disposed of in an approved hazardous waste landfill. Your state environmental agency can give you information on handling and disposal.
I have a "popcorn" ceiling in my home. Does it contain asbestos? If so, what needs to be done?
To find out, dampen a small area with a spray bottle of water, take a very small sample, put it in a zip lock plastic bag or a film cannister and take it to a state certified asbestos lab for analysis. Call your state environmental agency to get a list of certified labs.
If the material contains asbestos, you can leave it alone if it is in good condition -- not broken and crumbling. You can paint over it to contain and stabilize the material. It is more hazardous to remove the material than to leave it alone or contain it.
There are no federal regulations covering removal of asbestos from a private residence; however, your state may have regulations which you would be required to follow if you chose to remove material containing asbestos from your home. Contact your state environmental agency. Federal regulations do require that any material removed from a private residence be packaged in specific manner and disposed of in an approved hazardous waste landfill.
How can I find out if the floor tile in my home contains asbestos? If it does, what can I do about it?
The only way to find out if the floor tile contains asbestos is to take a small sample to a certified lab for analysis. Contact your state environmental agency for a list of certified labs and for regulations on removal, containment and disposal. They are the same as for other materials in the home (above).
I have to install a new furnace in my home. The old furnace pipes are covered with asbestos, and if they are cut through will become damaged. The furnace company will not work on them. What can be done?
Call your state environmental agency for a possible asbestos contractor to do the job.
Asbestos-Related Links
The following are links to resources on asbestos, from EPA as well as other external resources. These external links are included because of their relevance to asbestos. Nevertheless, these links are not maintained by EPA, and we cannot be responsible for either their information content or their maintenance.
Test of Alternative Asbestos Control Method Proposed:
EPA's Asbestos and Vermiculite Home Page - Visit EPA's national asbestos web site for more information about asbestos and applicable federal laws and regulations.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Asbestos Control Publications - Includes Guidance Manual, Asbestos Operations & Maintenance Work Practices, 2nd Edition from National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS). Provides detailed guidance to building owners, asbestos program managers, and operations and maintenance workers for managing asbestos-containing materials in buildings.
Asbestos in Drinking Water - As part of the Drinking Water and Health pages, this fact sheet is part of a larger publication National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
Asbestos in the Home - A homeowners guide that will help you understand asbestos: what it is, its health effects, where it is in your home, and what to do about it.
Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) - From EPA's Office of Research and Development, National Center for Environmental Assessment, IRIS is a database of human health effects that may result from exposure to various substances found in the environment, including asbestos.
National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) - Provides third-party accreditation of testing and calibration laboratories including a directory of accredited asbestos fiber analysis laboratories.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Asbestos Resource - OSHA's resource on asbestos.
Region 8 Asbestos Contacts
Dan Webster, Asbestos Project ManagerU.S. EPA Region 8 (8ENF-T)
1595 Wynkoop St
Denver, CO 80202-1129
303-312-7076 or 1-800-227-8917 ext. 7076
E-mail: webster.daniel@epa.gov
State and Other Contacts:
Colorado - Laura Shumpert (303) 692-3102
Montana - John Podolinsky (406) 444-2690
North Dakota - Jane Kangas or Mark Dihle (701) 328-5188
South Dakota - Erin Schmidt (605) 773-3153
Utah - Bowen Call (801) 536-4007
Wyoming - Linda Dewitt (307) 777-7394
Denver County, CO - Jack Bendixen (303) 285-4057
EPA Asbestos Contact (800) 462-6706
State websites providing additional information on asbestos:
Colorado - Department of Public Health and Environment
Montana - Department of Environmental Quality
Wyoming - currently does not have an asbestos website
North Dakota - Department of Health