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**only in Antigua** » 2011-02-08 02:58

Why should we try to deal with a complex heqlth issue when we can re focus on something silly like closing tourists bars by midnight!

**tenman** » 2011-02-02 23:02

Lionel Michael thanks for responding but could you follow up this response with a press release which would basically state what you posted. I suggest you do this because it will be seen by more persons. Thanks again for showing that there are some public officials who actually listen to the public.

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**Lionel Michael** » 2011-02-02 22:42

there is absolutely no need tocause alram or hysteria among the population. There are proven strategy to manage Asbestos.

**Lionel Michael** » 2011-02-02 22:39

When non-friable asbestos becomes friable, it is not the asbestos itself that crumbles, but the building materials in which it was used. As clay or other minerals age and wear, they break down and release the more-durable asbestos fibers. Burning any ACM, such as wallboard, asbestos papers, or ceiling tiles also releases asbestos fibers and changes the classification to friable and regulated. Cutting or drilling them, especially with power tools, will also release fibers. Anything done to building materials that may raise dust will cause dangers if the materials contain asbestos. Once released, the asbestos fibers are light enough to hang suspended in the air for hours and days, long after other dust from the project has settled.
It is not only intentional disturbances to asbestos-contai ning materials that make fibers become friable. One example would be trying to seal down acoustic ceiling foam while your children are bouncing balls or banging at the ceiling. The vibrations of a wall-mounted air-conditioner might also make the siding crumble enough for asbestos fibers to be sucked into the house by the unit.

**Lionel Michael** » 2011-02-02 22:39

Any asbestos-contai ning material can become friable..Friabl e asbestos is dangerous because it releases toxic fibers into the air. Breathing in these microscopic mineral fibers is what makes people sick, even though symptoms may not show for decades. The longer a person is around asbestos fibers, and the more fibers there are in the air, the more likely one will become debilitated or die from them.

The fibrous or fluffy spray-applied asbestos materials found in many buildings for fireproofing, insulating, sound-proofing, or decorative purposes are considered friable. Pipe and boiler insulation found in numerous buildings is also considered friable, though it may be fairly well contained by other fabrics, tape, paint, or plastic.

**Lionel Michael** » 2011-02-02 22:37

Asbestos is the name given to a number of naturally occurring, fibrous silicate minerals mined for their useful properties such as thermal insulation, chemical and thermal stability, and high tensile strength. Asbestos is commonly used as an acoustic insulator, and in thermal insulation, fire proofing and other building materials. Many products in use today contain asbestos

Asbes tos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become airborne when asbestos- containing materials are damaged or disturbed. When these fibers get into the air they may be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause significant health problems.

**Lionel Michael** » 2011-02-02 20:19

I see that there are wide spread confusion among the bloggers on this issue due Maily to a deficiency in knowledge over Asbestors Containing Material. I suggest that more reseach be done or training obtain before making statements that are likely to confuse this very important issue.

Just to state that there are two main types of Asbestors Containing Material. namely NonFriable and Nonfriable (Of course there are scientific names for these.)

The non-Friable/or what is calledmthe Corrugated type is not an issue unless being disturbed.

MOR E LATER

**Morris** » 2011-02-02 12:26

Thanks for the clarification. Good point regarding a Hazmat plan; however, I doubt that such a plan exists.

**lamanex** » 2011-02-02 12:24

Why everytime there is an issue in Antigua the minister or person responsible is "off island" and cannot be reach for accountability? . Are those people working "off island" or for the Antiguan people whose tax money is paying their salery?

**CountryMan** » 2011-02-02 10:12

@Morris,
On the contrary. I am not overlooking the dangers. I am fully aware of its danger. I am just making the point that it becomes hazardous when it is in a friable state. The potential danger exist where ever it is located and it is not encapsulated. . Asbestos was once considered a miracle material . Think back as what old brake shoes looked like it was pure asbestos back then. All those break shoe as they wore down they were creating asbestos dust. Many who died from cancer caused by asbestos and DDT were said to have succumb so suddenly because of the obyaman
The real question is? Does the Government have a Hazardous material protocol and what are they going to do about the conditions and the locations that pose a danger to the public??

**Morris** » 2011-02-02 04:50

You are correct. However, I think what you are overlooking is that the asbestos has been exposed to the elements for years and is disintegrated to a potential airborne hazard. As long as the wind is blowing these particles will become airborne.

**CountryMan** » 2011-02-02 00:52

Lets not scream fire in a crowded theatre.
I have always contended that these issues will pop up and become alarming until Antigua and Barbuda has a Land Use Plan which becomes the basis for a Strategic Economic Development. With out that we are all whistling Dixie.
Asbestos always have the potential of being dangerous. It becomes a danger when it is breath in. If asbestos is in a solid state and is not disturbed it posses little danger. Because of the long term consequences it is always advisable that where ever it is evident it be abated. Abatement can generally take to forms 10 it is encapsulated or it is 20 removed be persons who are trained and licensed to. Unfortunately it is in a friable state and is quite visible on many structures on Antigua. Priority needs to be given to those structures. Without sounding any further alarm; I visit many homes whose floors are covered with resilient tiles that are VAT (vinyl asbestos tiles). In many cases it has deteriorated and brittle posing a danger especially to children.

**perplexed** » 2011-02-01 23:19

But they would have had to fire me because I would refuse to work in that building, then I would sue them for unlawful dismissal and let the international world know that they are forcing people work in known cancer causing work environment. unless or until them pay me and fix the problem.

**tenman** » 2011-02-01 23:13

The truth is there is no political will to deal with issues like these because we need for a couple of people to first drop down dead as they walk by the buildings. Issues like this because they have no immediate tangible affect are felt best to be on the back burner. Imagine a politician on the hustings saying "we have removed the asbestos roof from xx" in our current environment it won't have as much political effect as " we have put pretty stones on some sidewalks in St. John's)" Yes we can blame the politicians for only pandering but the truth again is their lazy attitude reflect ours. Perhaps one way of getting movement on this issue is to find out the individuals who have died from cancer and to link them with at least one of these buildings. Another suggestion to keep this story from dieing is to run articles and present video like www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfdgx7QK8igclips showing the danger this situation puts persons in

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**Morris** » 2011-02-01 22:39

I echo your sentiments. Asbestos is very dangerous once ingested, and the government, especially the Health Minister, should issue that warning immediately. However, like everything else, they will drag their feet while they do an **sment to determine the danger levels before making any decision.

**concerned antiguan** » 2011-02-01 22:26

Just having my breakfast and reading this, IF THIS IS TRUE, I ask that persons who know they are in that environment to leave immediately, and those in Government who knows about this, should close these facilities IMMEDIATELY, PLEASE, PLEASE, this is a very dangerous product (asbestos).

I only knew about asbestos, when I was attending high school in the USA, my school was shut down the last shool year. to remove the asbestos,, so i finished my last year in another school, this thing is dangerous for your health, do something NOW!!!!!!!

I beg you people, get away from this fasttttttt! just do google search on it, and you will see.

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