Safety FAQs

A reference guide for safety professionals, industrial hygienists, and occupational health specialists.

Asbestos

Plain-language reference page for asbestos in safety and industrial hygiene contexts.

Last updated: 2026-01-01

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Description

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals used in building materials and industrial products. It appears in safety and industrial hygiene contexts because legacy materials may release fibers during disturbance.

Quick Facts

  • Hazard type: airborne fiber exposure.
  • Common contexts: construction, maintenance, renovation, demolition, legacy equipment.
  • Primary regulators: OSHA, EPA, and related federal programs.
  • Sampling methods: air and bulk material evaluation referenced by official methods.
  • Disposal regulators: EPA and applicable state environmental agencies.
  • Exposure pathway: inhalation.
  • OELs:
    • PEL (OSHA): 0.1 f/cm3
    • REL (NIOSH): 0.1 f/cm3
    • TLV (ACGIH): 0.1 f/cm3

Keywords

  • asbestos
  • asbestos fibers
  • legacy building materials
  • demolition
  • renovation
  • air monitoring
  • OSHA asbestos standard

Question Index

Frequently Asked Questions

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a set of fibrous minerals referenced in workplace and environmental programs. Definitions and scope appear in OSHA and EPA resources.

Where is this commonly encountered?

Common contexts are documented by OSHA, EPA, and NIOSH.

Why is this a concern in occupational settings?

Occupational concern centers on airborne fiber exposure addressed in OSHA standards and NIOSH guidance.

Who regulates this hazard in the workplace?

Workplace requirements are addressed by OSHA, including 29 CFR 1910.1001 and 29 CFR 1926.1101.

Are there environmental or non-workplace regulations that apply?

EPA programs address asbestos in environmental contexts, including EPA Asbestos, AHERA, and 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M.

Are there applicable consensus standards or guidance documents?

Consensus standards and guidance are published by ASTM, ANSI, and ACGIH.

How is exposure to this hazard typically evaluated?

Evaluation references methods listed by OSHA, NIOSH NMAM, and EPA.

What analytical or test methods are commonly referenced?

Common references include OSHA analytical methods, NIOSH NMAM methods, and relevant ASTM standards.

Are exposure limits or guidelines established for this hazard?

Exposure limits are established in OSHA standards and guidance sources such as 29 CFR 1910.1001 and ACGIH.

What health effects are associated with exposure?

Health effects are summarized by NIOSH and EPA, with additional context in OSHA materials.

Are effects acute, chronic, or both?

Temporal characteristics are described in NIOSH and EPA materials.

Is latency a consideration for this hazard?

Latency is addressed in NIOSH and EPA informational materials.

What types of controls are commonly referenced for this hazard?

Controls are described in OSHA standards, including 29 CFR 1910.1001 and 29 CFR 1926.1101.

Are training or program requirements commonly associated with this hazard?

Training and program requirements are addressed in OSHA standards, including 29 CFR 1910.1001 and 29 CFR 1926.1101.

How is this hazard addressed during maintenance, renovation, or demolition?

Maintenance, renovation, and demolition are addressed under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101 and EPA NESHAP (40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M).

How is waste containing this material typically regulated or classified?

Waste handling references are addressed under EPA NESHAP (40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M) and related EPA programs.

Are there transportation or disposal considerations?

Transportation and disposal considerations are addressed by DOT and EPA programs.

Where can official guidance and regulatory text be found?

Official guidance and regulatory text are available from OSHA, EPA, and NIOSH.

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