Asbestos is a group of tiny fibers that you cannot see with your eyes. When materials that contain asbestos are damaged or disturbed, the fibers can float in the air and be breathed in without knowing.
Once asbestos fibers enter the lungs or digestive system, they can stay there for many years. Asbestos is known to cause:
Lung cancer
Mesothelioma
Other cancers
Serious lung diseases that can lead to disability or death
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Even small amounts can increase health risks over time.
List items for Asbestos: Exposure and Safety Information
Exposure and Safety Information
Asbestos fibers can be released during:
Renovation or demolition of older buildings
Brake or clutch repairs
Manufacturing or handling asbestos products
Cleanup after storms or disasters
When old materials break down
Materials installed before 1981 may contain asbestos. Examples include:
Pipe insulation
Roofing and siding shingles
Vinyl floor tiles and glue
Plaster, cement, putty, and caulk
Ceiling tiles and spray‑on coatings
Heat‑resistant fabrics
Brake linings and clutch pads
Asbestos is regulated by:
OSHA, which protects workers
EPA, which protects the environment
Employers must:
Test the air for asbestos
Train workers about asbestos dangers
Set up regulated work areas
Use engineering controls to reduce dust
Provide protective equipment when needed
Offer medical checkups if exposure limits are exceeded
To stay safe around asbestos:
Do not sand, saw, drill, or chip materials that may contain asbestos
Use wet methods to keep dust down
Only dry buff flooring if it is properly sealed
When safe methods are used correctly, extra protective gear may not be needed
In addition to DIAL requirements, some renovation, abatement, demolition, and training fire projects may also fall under the Iowa DNR’s Asbestos NESHAP rules. These rules often require inspection, lab analysis, proper removal and disposal, and notification to the DNR.
