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  • My neighbor is re-siding and re-roofing his house and there is material all over the ground. Do I need to be worried about asbestos exposure?

    Not all house siding or roofing materials contain asbestos. If you are concerned the material might contain asbestos, you can ask your neighbor whether or not the material has been tested for asbestos. Federal regulations regarding renovations or demolitions of asbestos-containing materials do not apply to a homeowner’s renovation of…

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  • How do I know if I have asbestos in my home (in floor tile, ceiling tile, shingles, siding, etc.)?

    The only way to be sure whether a material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a qualified laboratory. EPA only recommends testing suspect materials if they are damaged (fraying, crumbling) or if you are planning a renovation that would disturb the suspect material. Samples should be taken by…

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  • Where can I go to learn more?

    PitWatch.org is the online home of the Berkeley Pit Public Education Committee. This volunteer committee educates residents, students, and the public about the environmental management of the Berkeley Pit.  Information includes the geology, hydrology, current events, and ongoing academic research associated with the Berkeley Pit. This committee frequently shares their…

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  • What should I do if I am concerned about my family's exposure to lead?

    Answer : A blood test is the only way to find out whether you or a family member already has lead poisoning. Call your doctor or local health department to arrange for a blood test. You can protect your family every day by: Regularly cleaning floors, window sills, and other…

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  • What are some of the health effects of lead in children?

    Answer : Lead is especially dangerous to children under six years of age. Lead can affect children's brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ and learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Even children who appear healthy can have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies. To learn more about the…

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  • What information can I get about lead-based paint in a home before I buy or rent it?   

    Answer : Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have some lead-based paint. Lead from paint chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renting or buying pre-1978 housing. Sellers and landlords must: Disclose information…

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  • I thought lead-based paint had been phased out. How many homes still contain lead-based paint?

    Answer : The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing estimated that 38 million permanently occupied housing units (40% of all housing units) in the United States contain some lead-based paint that was applied before the residential use of lead-based paint was…

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  • What is Lead?

    Answer : Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead also can be emitted into the air from motor vehicles and industrial sources, and lead can enter drinking water from plumbing materials. Lead-based paint is present in many…

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  • I found out the cement water pipes leading to my house (business) contain asbestos. What should I do?

    If the pipes are damaged they should be properly repaired or replaced by your water utility. Learn more about asbestos in drinking water . Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos Learn About Asbestos Asbestos and School Buildings Information for Owners and Managers of Buildings that Contain Asbestos Protect Your Family from…

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  • I have changed my brakes in the past, should I be worried about asbestos exposure?

    Because some, but not all, automotive brakes and clutches available or in use today may contain asbestos, professional automotive technicians and home mechanics who repair and replace brakes and clutches can potentially be exposed to asbestos dust. Brake and clutch dust can be seen when a brake disk, drum, clutch…

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  • Does the EPA have money available for homeowners to pay for asbestos testing or asbestos removal?

    The EPA does not have funding available to homeowners for asbestos testing or removal. Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos Learn About Asbestos Asbestos and School Buildings Information for Owners and Managers of Buildings that Contain Asbestos Protect Your Family from Exposures to Asbestos Asbestos Contaminated Vermiculite Insulation

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  • I'm remodeling my home. Do I need to be concerned about asbestos in the building materials?

    It's not possible for you to tell whether a material in your home contains asbestos simply by looking at it. If you suspect a material within your home might contain asbestos (for example floor tile, ceiling tile or old pipe wrap) and the material is damaged (fraying or falling apart)…

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  • Does dry wall or sheet rock contain asbestos?

    There is no way to know whether these materials contain asbestos without having them tested. If you are concerned those materials in your home may contain asbestos and the materials are damaged (frayed, falling apart) or if you are performing a renovation that will disturb the material, consult with a…

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  • How can I get involved?

    EPA encourages the public to review our Community Involvement Plan (pdf) (66pp, 6MB) that lays out our specific community involvement activities, and how to become involved at the Site. You can also contact our Community Involvement Coordinator, Mackenzie Meter ( [email protected] ), for site updates and to be added to…

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  • What are some of the health effects of lead?

    Answer : Lead is known to cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children six years old and under are most at risk from exposure lead-based paint because they crawl on the floor and they put their hands and other items…

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