Document pp2p8vNebLb62p0kN1gzkaEvw

FILE NAME: Sprayed Asbestos (SPRA) DATE: 1978 Dec 4 DOC#: SPRA037 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Letter to Mr. Ken Powell, Underwriters Lab from Barry Castleman RE Hazard from Deteriorating Ceilings & Plenum Surfaces Sprayed with Asbestos Fiber December k t 1978 Mr. Ken Howell Division of Fire Protection Underwriters Laboratory 333 Pfingsten Northbrook, Illinois 60062 . . . ' . ` Dear Mr. Howellj Thb Environmental Dafense Fund is concerned about thb hazard from de teriorating ceilings and plenum surfaces in buildings sprayed with fireproof ing containing asbestos fiber. Asbestos-containing spray products were used in thb U.S. for acoustic and decorative purposes since 1935 and thesesproducts were also valued for thermal insulation properties. Beginning in the late 1950's, asbestos-containing spray materials were used for fireproofing of structural steel and other components of buildings. These spray products were loosely-bonded mixes as well as cementitious mixtures. Now that these buildings, including schools, are deteriorating, there is a need to find out whether given structures were made with asbestos-containing formulations. In facing the problem of surveying and masking renovations as needed, it will be important to learn more about the products used, what the markets for various products was, etc. Among other things, this will necessitate contacting the manufacturers of sprayed asbestos-containing products. Underwriters certified most, if not all, of these products as meeting cer tain fire protection ratings. I am writing to ask you for a list of all the asbestos-containing spray products ever certified by U.L. If possible, we would like to know for each product the manufacturer, year of certification (and the city where the manufacturer was located). , We will certainly make the information you provide available to the En vironmental Protection Agency, which is also trying to develop a program to protect the health of the public exposed to asbestos in these buildings. If you have any questions or problems with this request, please call me at the above number or 301-834-7?8?. Your cooperation in this matter will be deeply appreciated. ' Sincerely yours, Barry I. Castleman