Asbestos Stabilization Foam

Asbestos insulation material has been used in shipboard environments for many years. While the material is usually safe when left undisturbed, it becomes a major health hazard during removal. The fine, needle like crystals that can be released into the air during handling are inhaled into the deep parts of the lung where they are known to cause cancer. Current removal procedures require a completely sealed area, using vacuum to prevent any particles from escaping. Personnel must wear heavy protective equipment. Annual asbestos remediation and removal cost estimated for the DoD are in the $150-300 million range. Removal of asbestos covered piping can cost up to $150 per liner foot. The US Navy is interested in a less labor intensive, and therefore less costly, removal method for asbestos. Adherent Technologies, Inc. has developed a series of specialty foams that can be applied to this problem. By impregnating the material with a very slow curing foam system, we can achieve two important protective properties: the material is encapsulated, and, due to the foam, stabilized. This will eliminate any danger of operators being exposed to friable asbestos. Application would require only light protective gear.