By ACUA
Safety Coordinator Janette Kessler and Guest Blogger Rachel Lynch, Mesothelioma
Cancer Alliance
In honor of North American
Occupational Safety and Health Week (NAOSH), we encourage residents to learn about
proper handling of asbestos to ensure your safety along with the safety of our
workers.

What is Asbestos?
Asbestos was commonly used in
building materials from 1930 to 1980. The toxin can still be found in structures
today, and its harmful dust can be released into the air when disturbed. Exposure
to this dust can cause mesothelioma
– a type of cancer that normally occurs in the lungs.
Because of its harmful components, asbestos
should NEVER be disposed of in your regular trash.
Handling Asbestos
ACUA accepts asbestos waste under
very strict guidelines for both homeowners and contractors/commercial haulers.
If you are unsure if your item contains
asbestos, please contact a certified asbestos abatement
specialist. You may also contact iATL
International Asbestos Testing Laboratory in Mt. Laurel where your items can be
tested. Visit www.iatl.com or
call 877.428.4285.
Once contained, all asbestos waste
must be placed in specific asbestos-grade plastic bags and sealed with duct
tape (ACUA sells asbestos handling bags at our GEO administrative building). No loose asbestos will be accepted for
disposal.
Depending on if you are a homeowner
or contractor/commercial hauler, ACUA will accept asbestos during regular
business hours or at specially scheduled times (see full guidelines at
acua.com/asbestos).
Once at ACUA, the asbestos is stored
in a specially designated bin and then placed in the landfill separate from the
active working space. Any employee working near the substance must wear respirators
and full protective clothing.
Staying Safe
If you're not sure if an item is hazardous, do some research before handling and disposing of it. In addition to asbestos, there are many items found in households that should never be disposed of in your regular trash can. We encourage residents to always exercise caution and contact us with any questions.
For more information on ACUA’s
asbestos disposal guidelines, please click here.
For information on ACUA's household hazardous waste program, click here.
For more information about the
dangers of asbestos and mesothelioma, please click here.