ASBESTOS

It is the goal of Stony Brook University to assure the health and safety of students, staff, faculty, and the environment. The University is responsible for managing asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in-place and removes ACM before renovations, demolitions or when the building material is damaged or can be disturbed.

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals with desirable physical properties, such as high tensile strength, resistance to heat and corrosion, and the ability to insulate.

Asbestos containing material (ACM) refers to products, usually building materials, with greater than 1 percent asbestos. By the early 1980’s, most products sold in the United States containing asbestos had been discontinued.
EH&S provides or coordinates the following services for Asbestos:
- Inspections, surveys, and hazard assessments for building materials including lead and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls)
- Cost estimating for renovation projects
- Manages contracts with NYSDOL licensed Environmental consultant for third-party air monitoring/project monitoring and an asbestos abatement contractor
Q: Where was asbestos used?

A: Some examples of products that may contain asbestos are:
- Fireproofing and thermal insulation in buildings
- Pipe, tank and boiler insulation
- Roofing shingles and tars
- Plaster, wallboard and joint compound
- Putties, caulks, paints and cements
- Flooring materials - floor tiles, sheet flooring, linoleum, grout and adhesives (also referred to as mastic)
- Ceiling tiles, glues and adhesives
- Fire doors
- Friction products, such as clutch facings and brake linings in vehicles
- And many others…
Q: How can I tell if something contains asbestos?

A: A New York State Department of Labor licensed asbestos inspector (member of Environmental Health & Safety or a third-party consultant) will conduct a survey to be analyzed by an Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) laboratory. 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. Sampling expenses shall be paid by the requesting department.

Common requests for asbestos sampling include:
- Damaged suspected asbestos containing material
- Renovations of a workspace, including carpeted areas
- Routine and special maintenance
Q: There are loose floor tiles in my work area. Who do I contact to dispose of them?

A: If you find any loose, damaged or deteriorating floor tiles or other potential asbestos-containing material, contact Environmental Health & Safety by calling (631) 632-6410.

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