Review of Asbestos Abatement Programs For Universities or Large Multifunctional Institutions

As of 1985, institutions operated by state and local governments are required by OSHA/EPA to protect their employees from hazardous asbestos exposures. This study examines asbestos abatement programs of three universities to determine whether they a) comply with federal and state laws; b) are effective in providing a safe and healthy working and living environment, and c) are managed in an effective manner. Two hundred fifty-nine air samples were analyzed to characterize airborne asbestos concentrations during asbestos management and abatement activities. The arithmetic mean concentration during asbestos removal, 3.04 fibers per cubic centimeter air, exceeded the legal permissible exposure limit of .2 f/cc. Although university asbestos abatement programs generally met minimum legal requirements, improvement was necessary in support programs for medical monitoring and respirators. Management improvements include 1) the enforcment of policies regarding asbestos abatement work practices and personal protection; 2) the expedition of funds for the removal of asbestos in potentially hazardous locations; and, 3) the evaluation of the decision-making process to remvove asbestos.Master of Science in Environmental Engineerin