Iowa (IA) Asbestos Removal & Abatement Resources:
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources recognizes that damaged asbestos containing materials can cause tiny asbestos fibers to be released into the air where they may remain for long periods of time (2). Once
Iowa (IA) Asbestos Removal & Abatement Resources:
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources recognizes that damaged asbestos containing materials can cause tiny asbestos fibers to be released into the air where they may remain for long periods of time (2). Once airborne, individuals could inhale the fibers and they can become permanently lodged into the tissues of their lungs (2). The inhalation of large amounts of asbestos fibers can cause diseases after a long latency period of 20 or more years (2). Once symptoms appear though, they can often develop into mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other cancers (2). Mesothelioma refers to the cancer of the membranes that line the chest and abdomen and is always fatal (2). Asbestosis refers to a chronic lung disease that scars the lung tissue, causing breathing difficult, shortness of breath, and reduced lung capacity, which can sometimes lead to death (2). In any case, these damaged asbestos containing materials are extremely hazardous. Even intact asbestos containing products pose a threat when demolition or renovation occurs, as it can potentially cause damage to the fibers and send them into the air (2).
Because of this danger, institutional, commercial, public, and industrial buildings are subject to inspection prior to demolition or renovation to ensure that all safety precautions are taken to prevent unnecessary exposure (2). Before the renovation or demolition begins, abatement must be conducted if any asbestos containing materials are detected (2). One exemption from this rule is residential buildings with four or fewer dwelling units that are to be demolished or renovated for purposes that are not commercial, public, industrial, or institutional (2). Families who are planning demolition or renovations on their own homes are not required to get the building inspected, but it is often a good idea regardless to keep family members as safe as possible (2). All inspections and abatements, whether they are mandated by federal and state law or are voluntarily conducted by homeowners, should be performed by licensed professionals (2).
In order to become a hired asbestos worker of any sort, it is necessary to become certified. Because there are different ways that workers can be involved with the handling, the training requirements and intensities vary according to the type of certification a worker wishes to apply for. The Iowa Department of Labor recognizes five different asbestos licensing types, including asbestos workers, supervisors or contractors, inspectors, management planners, and asbestos project designers (1). As the positions’ degree of responsibility and hazard of causing asbestos exposure increase, the training becomes longer (1). An inspector has a minimal chance of disrupting large quantities of asbestos fibers, so their initial training spans three days; asbestos project designers undergo a different three day training course; asbestos workers, who are in direct contact with asbestos containing materials must complete four days of initial training, management planners are required to take the three day course for inspectors and a two day management planner training course, and supervisors or contractors take a different five day course (1). In all areas, workers’ permits are only valid for one year, as they must attend annual refresher courses to receive the most current safety information (1). In order to receive licenses as asbestos workers or supervisors/contractors, it is also necessary that applicants are examined b