Recognition of Health Hazards

Employees should always be aware of their surroundings and recognize possible health hazards related to asbestos exposure.

Because asbestos was used in so many different materials, it is often difficult to recognize. In old buildings and residential homes, asbestos-containing insulation was used. It can often be recognized by its off-white or gray granules. Unlike most insulation today, asbestos-containing insulation is loose rather than sprayed on or in sheets. Because asbestos can be difficult to recognize, employees should assume that any structure that was built between the 1940s and 1980s could possibly contain asbestos.

Unlike some other hazardous substances, asbestos has no taste or smell, making exposure difficult to recognize by those senses. Exposure does not usually cause an immediate negative reaction. As we have mentioned before, asbestos can remain in the lungs and take years or decades to cause symptoms.

To learn more about Asbestos Awareness visit our Cal/OSHA Asbestos Awareness Online Training web page.