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Asbestos

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It is the goal of Stony Brook University to assure the health and safety of students, staff, faculty and the environment. Stony Brook University is responsible for maintaining all asbestos containing material (ACM) on campus.

Presumed, suspect and identified asbestos containing materials are managed in a safe manner by having only NYSDOL and EPA certified personnel conduct asbestos activities. Asbestos activities include inspecting, sampling, design, planning, supervision, management, monitoring, and handling of asbestos containing materials.

EH&S manages the asbestos contract and works with departments to manage asbestos and meet the University's goals while doing so.  EH&S also manages the contract with an EPA certified asbestos air sampling technician to perform air monitoring for asbestos work. When bulk and air sampling for asbestos is performed, the cost of the sampling and laboratory analysis is passed along to the requesting department.

Please contact Environmental Health and Safety if you observe damaged ACM or if you feel asbestos has been disturbed in your work area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is asbestos?

A:  Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral formed of very strong fibers that are resistant to heat and corrosion. Absestos fibers can be woven into fabrics and are regularly used in fire-resistant and insulating materials.

There are 6 main types of asbestos: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite. By the early 1980’s, most products containing asbestos had been removed from the market in the United States.

Q: Where has asbestos been used?

A: Asbestos has been used in a wide variety of manuafatured goods and building materials. The amount of asbestos varies from greater than 1% to 100%. Examples of products that may contain asbestos are, but not limited to:

  • Fireproofing and insulation in buildings
  • Insulation for pipes and boilers
  • Roofing shingles and tars
  • Plaster, wallboard and joint compound
  • Putties, caulks, paints and cements
  • Floor and ceiling tiles
  • Friction products, such as clutch facings and brake linings in vehicles

You cannot tell whether a material contains asbestos by looking at it. A sample must be analyzed by a qualified laboratory.

Q: There are a few loose floor tiles in my work area. Since they are intact, is it okay for me to just throw them away?

A: No. If you find any loose, damaged or deteriorating floor tiles or other potential asbestos containing material, please contact Environmental Health and Safety.

Environmental Health and Safety will arrange for its proper removal and disposal. 

Q: How can I tell if something contains asbestos?

A: A state-licensed asbestos inspector (member of Environmental Health and Safety or a third-party consultant) will conduct a survey by taking bulk samples and sending it to an ELAP certified laboratory to be analyzed. Only laboratory analysis can determine that asbestos is present in a material. Staff must assume all suspect building materials contain asbestos unless laboratory testing or a previous survey proves otherwise.

Common requests for asbestos sampling include:

  • Damaged thermal system insulation (pipe insulation)
  • Renovations of a work space, including carpeted areas
  • Routine and special maintenance

Q: How do I report damaged asbestos containing building materials?

A: Staff reports damaged  and/or deteriorated, suspect or presumed asbestos containing material to their direct supervisor. A supervisor or designee will contact Environmental Health and Safety.                                                                                          To recognize this damage or deterioration, by material type:
1) Floor tiles - look for cracked, broken or chipped tiles
2) Thermal system insulation - look for debris near the insulation and exposed areas from pipe insulation
3) Fireproofing - look for debris and delamination (areas of missing insulation)
4) Other Presumed Asbestos Containing Material (PACM) - look for debris near the material, stains, cracks, scrapes, marks, missing or dislodged material

Asbestos Management Policy

For further information, please visit Main Campus's Asbestos Management Policy.