Skip Navigation

University at Buffalo - The State University of New York
  1. About
    1. Contact Us
    2. News, Alerts and Tips
  2. EH&S Programs
    1. Accident Reporting
    2. Asbestos and Lead
    3. Battery Recycling
    4. Biological Safety
    5. Chemical Safety
    6. Construction Safety
    7. Environmental Protection
    8. Fire and Life Safety
    9. General Safety
    10. Hazardous Waste
    11. Industrial Hygiene
    12. Laboratory Safety
    13. Public Health
    14. Radiation Safety
    15. EH&S Projects
    16. Small Claims
  3. Policies
    1. Building Evacuation Plans
    2. Campus Commitment to Safety
    3. Corridor Use Policy
    4. Excavation Marking and Dig Safely Procedure
    5. Guidelines for Drain Disposal of Lab Waste
    6. Lab Facilities & Equipment Servicing Release
    7. Outdoor Projects
    8. More...
  4. Forms
    1. Biosafety Forms
    2. Chemical Safety Forms
    3. Equipment Release Certification Form
    4. Fact Sheets
    5. Fire Safety Forms
    6. Hot Work Permit
    7. Laser Registration
    8. Material Safety Data Sheets
    9. Radiation Safety Forms
    10. Small Claims Incident Report Form
  5. Training
    1. Radiation Safety Training
    2. Lab Safety Training
    3. Right-to-Know Training

Home > Departments > Environment, Health & Safety > EH&S Programs > Asbestos and Lead

Asbestos and Lead

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. Because of health issues, the EPA has banned several asbestos products and manufacturers have voluntarily limited the use of asbestos in thier products. Today, asbestos is most commonly found in older buildings, in pipe and furnace insulation materials, asbestos shingles, millboard, textured paints and other coating materials, and floor tiles.

Lead is a heavy metal. Even though laws now prevent lead from being used in many products; there can still be lead hazards in and around many buildings we frequent or work. Lead can get into the air, water, food, soil, and even dust and then can be breathed or swallowed leading to serious health problems. Because lead poisoning often occurs with no obvious symptoms, it frequently goes unrecognized. Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and, at very high levels, seizures, coma, and even death. The Lead Compliance Plan (pdf) outlines the management of lead containing materials at UB.