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<br />asbestos". Hubbellite is composed of a mixture of cement, limestone, copper and magnesium
<br />compounds, and proprietary additives. According to the manufacturer, Hubbellite flooring is fire
<br />resistant, chemical resistant (including solvents), non-sparking, and static-disseminating.
<br />
<br />Asbestos in "Soft" Concrete
<br />
<br />In 1998, the EP A issued a memo alerting industry and labor organizations of the potential for ~
<br />asbestos in "soft" concrete in the roofs of buildings. An inspection of a roof repair project on a
<br />government building revealed that the concrete material used for forming the roof surface in 1934
<br />contained a high concentration of asbestos.
<br />
<br />The asbestos/concrete mixture is called "soft concrete." Apparently, when the government building
<br />was built, asbestos was mixed with concrete to make a lighter and easier to use mixture than regular
<br />concrete. It was then used for creating the slopes on the roof. The soft concrete layer ran between
<br />two and 10 inches in thickness on the roof of the inspected building. Analysis of the concrete
<br />revealed it had an asbestos content of between two and 10% by weight.
<br />
<br />At the time the memo was issued, OSHA had no data on how many buildings might have soft
<br />concrete on their roofs. It is possible that such a mixture was used on other roofs and, therefore, its
<br />presence could pose "significant health hazards during demolition or repair work". Furthermore,
<br />employees occupying a building might be exposed to the asbestos from the roofs materials if there are
<br />openings in the building, particularly during re-roofing work.
<br />
<br />Military Formulation Insulation Cement
<br />
<br />i\.Iilitary Formulation of Super Powerhouse insulation cement (produced from 1957 to 1971)
<br />contained 5% chrysotile asbestos and was developed to conform to government specification. This
<br />product was manufactured and sold exclusively for U.S. government military installations. (The
<br />commercial formulation without asbestos continued in production.) Both products were dry,
<br />mi.,tures containing spun mineral-wool, hydraulic setting binders, clays and other ingredients. Its use
<br />in or on concrete is not known.
<br />
<br />SOURCES:
<br />
<br />U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Rcgion 4, Demolilion Pradices Under Ibe AsbesloJ NESHAP, undated.
<br />
<br />California Department of Toxic Substances Contro~ "Public Involvemcnt Fact Shcct, DTSC Rccommends
<br />Resurfacing of Scq)cntinc Gravel Roads based on Gardcn Valley Study," April 2005.
<br />
<br />Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 1J7alerQllality/ IF'a.'teuJ(/ter Per mils #3.01, September 2004.
<br />
<br />U.S. Environmental Protection Ageney Region 5, Air Enforcement Program, elcctronic communication to
<br />Laura Olah, Citizens for Safe Watcr Around Badger, May 27, 2005.
<br />
<br />Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Air Management Division, electronic communication to Laura
<br />Olah, Citizens for Safc Water Around Badger, rvlay 4, 2005.
<br />
<br />U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Directorate of Technical Support, Hazard Information Bulletin,
<br />Potential Asbestos Contamination in Soft Concrete Information, October 8, 1998.
<br />
<br />U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Office of
<br />Pollution Prcvcntion and Toxics, Asbcstos, Publication of Idcntifying Information, Fedcral RCh>istcr, V olumc: 55,
<br />Issuc: 30 , Pagc: 5144 (55 FR 5144) , Tucsday, Fcbruary 13, 1990.
<br />
<br />TbiJ Fad Sbeet is inlended 10 raise public awareness qltbe potenlialfor afbestOJ' in or on (onmle bl/ilding malmals at U.S. military
<br />baJef and i.r 1I0t ind".";o, o/all knowlI orpolelllial sOlm'es 0/ (/J'b'Jtos.
<br />
<br />Publication date: JUlie 2005.
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