ASTM E2394-11
Standard Practice for Maintenance, Renovation and Repair of Installed Asbestos Cement Products
- Standard No.
- ASTM E2394-11
- Release Date
- 2011
- Published By
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
- Status
- Replace By
- ASTM E2394-11(2020)e1
- Latest
- ASTM E2394-11(2020)e1
- Scope
The inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers has been shown to cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
5.1.1 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that “Effects on the lung are a major health concern from asbestos, as chronic (long-term) exposure to asbestos in humans via inhalation can result in a lung disease termed asbestosis. Asbestosis is characterized by shortness of breath and cough and may lead to severe impairment of respiratory function. Cancer is also a major concern from asbestos exposure, as inhalation exposure can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the thin membranes lining the abdominal cavity and surrounding internal organs), and possibly gastrointestinal cancers in humans. EPA has classified asbestos as a Group A, known human carcinogen” (1).
The World Health Organization states: “Exposure to asbestos occurs through inhalation of fibres primarily from contaminated air in the working environment, as well as from ambient air in the vicinity of point sources, or indoor air in housing and buildings containing friable asbestos materials. The highest levels of exposure occur during repackaging of asbestos containers, mixing with other raw materials and dry cutting of asbestos-containing products with abrasive tools” (2).
The World Bank states: “Health hazards from breathing asbestos dust include asbestosis, a lung scarring disease, and various forms of cancer (including lung cancer and mesothelioma of the pleura and peritoneum). These diseases usually arise decades after the onset of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma, a signal tumor for asbestos exposure, occurs among workers’ family members from dust on the workers’ clothes and among neighbors of asbestos air pollution point sources” (3).
Extensive litigation has occurred worldwide as a result of the health effects of asbestos over the past century, resulting in considerable economic consequences. The regulatory response to asbestos hazards has resulted in civil sanctions and criminal prosecution of violators.
Regarding the production and use of asbestos fiber:
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reports: "World consumption was relatively steady between 2003 and 2007, averaging 2.11 million metric tons (Mt). The leading consuming countries in 2007 were, in decreasing order tonnage, China (30 %), India (15 %), Russia (13 %), Kazakhstan and Brazil (5 % each), and Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine (4 % each). These eight countries accounted for about 80 % of world asbestos consumption in 2007. From 2003 through 2007, apparent consumption declined in most countries. However, there were significant increases in apparent consumption in China, India, and Uzbekistan between 2003 and 2007. In general, world asbestos consumption is likely to decline as more countries institute bans on its use” (4).
The World Health Organization also states: “Bearing in mind that there is no evidence for a threshold for the carcinogenic effect of asbestos and the increased cancer risks have been observed in populations exposed to very low levels, the most efficient way to eliminate asbestos-related diseases is to stop using all types of asbestos. Continued use of asbestos-cement in the construction industry is of particular concern, because the workforce is large, it is difficult to control exposure, and in-place materials have the potential to deteriorate and pose a risk to those carrying out......
ASTM E2394-11 Referenced Document
- ASTM E1368 Standard Practice for Visual Inspection of Asbestos Abatement Projects
- ASTM E2356 Standard Practice for Comprehensive Building Asbestos Surveys
ASTM E2394-11 history
- 2020 ASTM E2394-11(2020)e1 Standard Practice for Maintenance, Renovation, and Repair of Installed Asbestos Cement Products
- 2011 ASTM E2394-11 Standard Practice for Maintenance, Renovation and Repair of Installed Asbestos Cement Products
- 2004 ASTM E2394-04e1 Standard Practice for Maintenance, Renovation and Repair of Installed Asbestos Cement Products
- 2004 ASTM E2394-04 Standard Practice for Maintenance, Renovation and Repair of Installed Asbestos Cement Products
