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Safe Asbestos Handling Guidelines

Exposure to asbestos can be dangerous to your health. Read below for more information so you can be aware of how you might be exposed and be proactive in taking the necessary precautions.

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral fiber found in rocks and soils. It is used in a variety of construction applications today because of its strength and heat resistance, which makes it a good insulation or fire-retardant material.

 

Although the use of asbestos-containing products has been highly regulated in the U.S. since the 1970s, it is not completely banned from use in construction and a few other material applications.

 

Asbestos exposure occurs when asbestos fibers are released into the air by the disturbance or damaging of asbestos-containing products. This is a particular risk during building demolition, maintenance, remodeling, or repair projects and can have dangerous effects on your health.

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It is important to be aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure and take the necessary precautions when working in areas that may have asbestos-containing materials.

WHAT IS ASBESTOS?

WHERE IS ASBESTOS FOUND?

Asbestos may be found in the following places and materials:

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  • Attic and wall insulation produced containing vermiculite

  • Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives

  • Roofing and siding shingles

  • Textured paint and patching compounds used on walls and ceilings

  • Walls and floors around wood-burning stoves protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets

  • Hot water and steam pipes coated with asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape

  • Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets with asbestos insulation

  • Heat-resistant fabrics

  • Automobile clutches and brakes

NOTE: We cannot accept asbestos-containing materials through the Winnebago County Transfer Station. All asbestos-containing materials must be taken to the Outagamie County Landfill in Appleton. Click here for more information.

Additional Resources

To learn more about asbestos exposure and its health risks, visit https://www.epa.gov/asbestos

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To learn what to do to protect your family from being exposed to asbestos, visit https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-exposures-asbestos

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To search for companies certified to work with or consult on asbestos-containing materials, or to reporting unsafe asbestos-handling concerns at a worksite, visit https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/asbestos/index.htm

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