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|  | Asbestos and Lead AwarenessSome campus buildings may contain materials that include asbestos or lead-based paint. When these materials are in good condition and left undisturbed, they generally do not pose a health risk. However, activities such as drilling, cutting, sanding, scraping, or demolition can create potential exposures. Understanding these hazards and following appropriate safety precautions helps protect you, your colleagues, and the campus community.
When in doubt, stop work and do not disturb suspect materials. Contact your supervisor or Northwestern Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at ehs@northwestern.edu if you are unsure whether a material contains asbestos or lead.
Training
If required by your school or unit, ensure you are up to date on asbestos and lead training through myHR Learn. Depending on your job responsibilities, additional training may also be required.
ASBESTOS AWARENESS TRAINING
LEAD AWARENESS TRAINING |
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| AsbestosAsbestos was used extensively in many building materials prior to 1980 because of its strength and fire-resistant properties. It may be present in materials such as pipe insulation, floor tile, ceiling materials, and other construction products. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release fibers into the air, creating a potential health hazard. When inhaled, asbestos fibers can remain in the body and may cause health effects that develop over many years, including lung disease and certain cancers.
Reminders
- Never disturb known or suspected asbestos-containing materials unless you are trained and authorized to do so.
- If you believe asbestos-containing material has been disturbed or encounter damaged or deteriorating suspect materials, stop work, isolate the area, and notify your supervisor or EHS.
- Only trained personnel and licensed contractors may perform asbestos abatement.
For additional information on asbestos, including identification, evaluation, and abatement, review the Northwestern Asbestos Management Program. |
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| Renovations and demolitionsDid you know?
Federal regulations require asbestos inspections before most campus renovation and demolition activities, regardless of a building's age. Although less common today, asbestos may still be present in some modern building materials, including roofing products, mastics, caulks, sealants, and other specialty construction materials. |
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| LeadLead-based paint was commonly used in buildings prior to 1978 because of its durability and corrosion-resistant properties. It may still be present on painted surfaces such as walls, doors, windows, trim, railings, and other building components, often hidden beneath layers of newer paint. When lead-based paint is in good condition and left undisturbed, it generally does not pose a health risk. However, disturbing painted surfaces can create hazardous lead dust and potential exposures. When inhaled or ingested, lead can accumulate in the body and may cause serious health effects, including damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and other organs.
Safety tips
- Do not disturb painted surfaces suspected to contain lead unless the work has been evaluated and you are trained and authorized to perform it.
- Report deteriorating painted surfaces to your supervisor if suspected to contain lead.
- Plan work activities in advance and consult with your supervisor or EHS before beginning tasks that may disturb lead-containing materials.
For additional information on lead, including identification, removal, and training, review the Northwestern Lead Management Program. |
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