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Recyclopedia - Asbestos

Hazards

  • Microscopic asbestos fibers from friable (loose or crumbling) asbestos can be suspended in air and inhaled. Once inhaled, fibers remain in lungs, causing lung cancer.
  • Asbestos may be found in pipe insulation and insulating boards, textured wall surfaces, electrical equipment, floor and roofing tiles and certain adhesives.

Handling

  • If asbestos is in good condition, and fibers are not exposed, it does not need to be removed.
  • Slightly damaged or loose asbestos can be re-wrapped rather than removed.
  • Asbestos should be handled by a certified asbestos abatement contractor (call Massachusetts Department of Labor and Workforce Development at 800-425-0004 for list of licensed abatement contractors).
  • Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) requires notification at least 10 business days prior to any asbestos removal activities.
  • All asbestos containing materials must be containerized, labeled and removed in accordance with MassDEP air quality and solid waste regulations. Asbestos must be adequately wetted so that fibers will not be released, and sealed in leak-tight, properly labeled containers. If bags are used, they should be thick plastic (6 mil) and double bagged. The same handling procedures are required for contaminated clothes and equipment. Container must then be labeled with an OSHA approved asbestos warning label. For additional information, see:
    • 310 CMR 7 et. seq.: Air Pollution Control Air Pollution Control, Sections 7.09: Dust, Odor, Construction and Demolition and 7.15: Removal and Disposal of Asbestos.
    • 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations, Section 19.061: Special Waste Disposal Requirements.
  • Do not dust, sweep or vacuum particles suspected of containing asbestos.

Management Options

Asbestos should be handled only by an Asbestos Abatement Contractor Licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards. For information about asbestos regulations in Massachusetts visit the MassDEP website.

This material is not accepted at Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Day.