Asbestos Disclosure
University Housing & Residence Life is providing this document to inform you of the presence of asbestos-containing building materials in some of the older residence buildings on campus.
Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) do not pose an inherent risk to health unless the asbestos fibers become airborne due to deterioration, or as a result of damage. As long as the building materials are in good condition, they do not present a health risk to residents.
What Materials May Contain Asbestos?
Asbestos is a general name for a group of naturally occurring minerals composed of small fibers. Due to its heat and chemical resistance, strength, and durability, asbestos was incorporated into a number of common building materials, including spray-on fireproofing, floor tiles, sheet vinyl flooring, acoustical plaster and textures, pipe and boiler insulation, and roofing materials. These materials were commonly used prior to 1981, when the use of asbestos in manufacturing was phased out in the United States due to concerns regarding asbestos-related health effects. Portland State University has a number of buildings which were constructed prior to this period, and the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) or presumed asbestos-containing materials (PACM) have been documented in some of our buildings during asbestos surveys.
What Measures Does the University Take to Ensure my Safety?
Portland State University considers the safety of its students, faculty, staff, and visitors to be our highest priority. The University conducted campus-wide surveys in 1991 and 2008 to identify locations where asbestos exists in our buildings and to create an Asbestos Management Plan. The University has implemented our Asbestos Management Plan to safely manage asbestos on campus and comply with all applicable federal and state regulations. This plan is reviewed regularly in order to ensure that the University follows the latest asbestos best practices.
There are three methods for managing asbestos-containing materials: removal, encapsulation or enclosure. The University follows the EPA principle of “in-place” management of asbestos-containing material. Removal of asbestos-containing materials is not usually necessary unless the material is severely damaged or will be disturbed by a building demolition or renovation project.
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) is responsible for implementation, training and oversight of the Asbestos Management Plan. This includes conducting building inspections, coordination and supervision of asbestos-related construction activities, performing air monitoring and surveys, and providing employee training. For more information about PSU’s Asbestos Management Plan, please visit Environmental Health & Safety or e-mail EHS-group@pdx.edu or call 503-725-3738.
Required Safety Practices for Residents
If you notice any damaged building materials within your room (or in any area), please contact Facilities and Property Management (FPM) by Submitting an Online Work Order.
We ask that you:
- Avoid scraping or damaging ceilings, walls, or pipes.
- Do not drill holes in walls or ceilings.
- Do not install screws, pins, nails, or hangers into textured ceilings or walls.
- Do not hang plants, tapestries, curtain rods, or other objects from walls or ceilings.
- Do not tape or glue carpet, rugs, mats, etc. to floor tile or linoleum.
- Do not pull up or remove any carpet, as asbestos flooring may be present underneath.
- Be careful not to damage walls, ceilings, or floors when moving furniture.
- You may hang items on your walls using putty or blue painters tape.
- If you have further questions in reference to this information, please contact Housing & Residence Life at housing@pdx.edu or 503-725-4375.
Locations Identified as Containing Asbestos
- Blackstone: vinyl flooring
- Montgomery: vinyl flooring, thermal system insulation, window putty
- Ondine: vinyl flooring, cove base mastic, wall & ceiling texture, thermal system insulation
Contact Environmental Health & Safety before disturbing any materials in these buildings. This list is representative only. Not all materials have been tested or identified.