Search Frequent Questions

Displaying 1 - 15 of 17 results

• What state or federal agencies are responsible for evaluating records from the PADOH cancer registry? Are all types of cancers considered in this evaluation [including rare and/or environmentally associated cancers]?

  A few important items to note regarding the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry:  PADOH’s Pennsylvania Cancer Registry is a statewide data system responsible for collecting information on all new cases of cancer diagnosed or treated in Pennsylvania. It is part of the National Program of Cancer Registries administered by the Centers for…

  • Last published: March 4, 2024

• What is Vermiculite?

  Vermiculite is the mineralogical name given to hydrated laminar magnesium-aluminum-iron silicate that resembles mica in appearance. All vermiculite ores contain a range of other minerals that were formed along with the vermiculite in the rock. Vermiculite ores from some sources have been found to contain asbestos minerals but asbestos is…

  • Last published: April 23, 2024

• Is it permissible for a training provider to employ more than one training manager?

  Answer : Yes. The Rule requires that a training provider employ a training manager that meets the qualifications in 40 CFR 745.225(c)(1). EPA does not interpret this to be a limitation on the permissible number of training managers. Therefore, a training provider may employ more than one training manager so…

  • Last published: January 13, 2025

• Is there a Pennsylvania registry that tracks non-cancer diseases or immunological disorders?

  PADOH and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services do not have a registry for multiple sclerosis (MS), MS-related diseases or immunologic disorders. Despite extensive research on the mechanisms of MS development and progress, the exact mechanism is not known and there are no definitive studies to show causation…

  • Last published: March 1, 2024

• What are some uses of Vermiculite?

  Vermiculite has been used in various industries for over 80 years. It is used in the construction, agricultural, horticultural and industrial markets. Examples of products that contain vermiculite include potting soil mixes, loose fill insulation, and packing material. For more information, visit the EPA webpage: Protect Your Family from Asbestos-Contaminated…

  • Last published: April 23, 2024

• If a renovator takes the refresher course early, would the new certification be valid for five years from the date of training, or five years from the date that the previous certification expires?

  Question : I’m a training provider and have been accredited for the renovator refresher course. If a renovator takes the refresher course early (i.e., before their previous certification has expired), would the new certification be valid for five years from the date of training, or five years from the date…

  • Last published: November 19, 2024

• I'm an accredited training provider. Can the final course assessment to be administered in an "open book" format?

  No. The training provider is responsible for maintaining the validity and integrity of the course test to ensure that it accurately evaluates the trainee’s knowledge and retention of the course topics. A course test administered in an open book format does not evaluate whether a student has sufficiently learned and…

  • Last published: November 19, 2024

• How do we know our drinking water has not been affected over the past 40+ years when the landfill was operating and after it closed since there were no regulations governing its operation or closure?

  The Norwood community is serviced by a public drinking water source. The public water supply must meet federal and state Safe Drinking Water Act Standards. Public water systems are required to share annual reports that describe what, if anything, is found in the water supply.

  • Last published: March 8, 2024

• Do all renovation course instructors need to be approved as principal instructors? For example, to reach a 6:1 student-to-instructor ratio with 18 people in the class, may we have one principal instructor who teaches the entire lecture and is assisted by two additional hands-on instructors (who are not approved as principal instructors)?

  Answer: Every accredited training program must employ a qualified training manager, and it is the job of the training manager to designate a qualified principal instructor for each course. The principal instructor is responsible for the organization of the course and oversees the teaching of all course material. The training…

  • Last published: November 14, 2024

• Why is it difficult to establish a link between cancers or other illnesses and environmental exposures?

  The complex nature of cancer makes it inherently challenging to identify, interpret, and address cancer clusters. Cancer is a term describing different diseases that share a similar characteristic: uncontrollable cell growth and division. As a group, cancers are very common. Cancers are the second leading cause of death in the…

  • Last published: November 26, 2024

• How do we know that we have not been exposed to contamination from the Landfill for the past 40+ years?

  EPA works closely with its partner, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in evaluating potential health exposures from waste sources. ATSDR has the ability to look at the cancer registry data to evaluate potential past exposures, while EPA’s role is to evaluate current and future exposure. ATSDR…

  • Last published: March 4, 2024

• Can Norwood residents be exposed to contamination if we grow and eat our own vegetables from gardens in our yards?

  To date, contamination has not been found on residential properties that would pose a risk. In addition, the concentrations of the contaminants found at the Norwood Site are often found in urban communities. Studies show that exposure to contaminants via vegetable gardens is negligible. With the exception of some root…

  • Last published: March 8, 2024

• Does a home seller have to disclose to a potential buyer that a home contains asbestos? What about vermiculite?

  Federal law does not require the seller to disclose to a buyer that their home contains asbestos or vermiculite. State or local requirements may require disclosure. Contact your state about such requirements. Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos Learn About Asbestos Asbestos and School Buildings Information for Owners and Managers of…

  • Last published: March 21, 2024

• My attic has vermiculite insulation in it. Am I at risk? Should I take it out?

  If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, you should assume this material may be contaminated with asbestos and be aware of steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from exposure to asbestos. The EPA recommends that vermiculite insulation be left undisturbed. Airborne asbestos fibers present a…

  • Last published: August 15, 2024

• If a student in a renovator training course is unable to read and understand English, may the exam be read to them in their native language?

  No. Separate course accreditations are required for each renovation course a training provider offers that is in a language other than English. Courses presented in a language other than English must use instructor manuals, exams, and other course materials in that language that have been reviewed by EPA as part…

  • Last published: November 19, 2024