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Asbestos Fireproofing

Fireproofing is the process of applying materials to residential homes, commercial buildings and other structures to increase fire-resistance. Structures that have been fireproofed may not burn as easily in the event of fire or explosion.

Commercial, industrial, residential and offshore construction sites are commonly fireproofed. Fireproofing may have been applied in the following areas:

• Structural steel
• Electrical circuits
• Liquefied petroleum gas containers
• Pipe bridges and vessel skirts in oil refineries
• Traffic tunnels
• Boiler ducts
• HVAC units

During the 1970s, asbestos was used as a fireproofing material due to its flame-retardant properties. Fireproofing material could be applied as pressed sheets or in a sprayed form. Spray fireproofing is the application of fire-resistant materials to structures such as steel beams, columns and decks.

Hazards of Fireproofing

Asbestos fireproofing material consists of a dry powder that is mixed with water. Exposure to asbestos can occur during the process of applying the materials and includes the following activities:

• Handling bags of powder
• Adding powder to mixer
• Scraping fireproofing material from surfaces

The following actions may disturb fireproofing materials that have already been applied:

• Running conduits and wiring along steel beams
• Installing sprinkler system equipment
• General construction that would generate asbestos dust
• Asbestos dust clean-up, handling or mixing
• Repairing or removing fireproofing material

When asbestos fibers are discharged into the air, they may be inhaled or ingested by workers or homeowners.  Asbestos-containing fireproofing was commonly used in houses and commercial buildings built during the 1960s and 1970s. Asbestos may also be disturbed through home remodeling, renovations or the demolition of older buildings.

Fireproofing Precautions

Precautions should be taken to avoid exposure to asbestos fibers when applying or removing asbestos fireproofing materials. Negative air containments may be used in areas where the material will be present. The machine pulls air in and traps particles, fibers and dust inside the containment.

Asbestos-containing fireproofing should only be applied and removed when thoroughly wet, as dampened materials may help prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the air. Materials that have been removed from structures or leftover materials that were not used in fireproofing should be handled safely. Removal can include sealing the materials in plastic bags and disposing of the bags in segregated dumpsters.

Fireproofing and Mesothelioma

Asbestos fibers that have been separated from the insulation material may become airborne if disturbed. Individuals exposed to asbestos may breathe in or swallow the fibers. The long-term presence of the fibers in the body can lead to serious conditions such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.