How to Report Asbestos

Asbestos--a fibrous mineral found in mines and formerly used in a number of manufactured products--is regulated in the U.S. by the Environmental Protection Agency. Asbestos is harmful to humans because it increases your chance of getting lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis when asbestos fibers are inhaled and lodged in the lungs. If you believe you have discovered asbestos in your home, school or office, the EPA maintains a contact list you should visit in order to report the problem, which could be a significant risk to public safety.

Things You'll Need

• Camera

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit the EPA's Regional and State Asbestos Contacts web page (see References).

• 2

  Find the contact number closest to where you live (or closest to where the suspected violation exists). The contacts are coded by region, so you may need to consult the list at the bottom of the page listing which states and U.S. territories fall under which region.

• 3

  Call your region's contact person and report the problem.

• 4

  Tell the contact as many details as you can remember, and offer to email pictures if necessary.