Sonoma State University

Asbestos Awareness for Zinfandel Residents

This page provides information for residents of Zinfandel Hall.  The buildings in Zinfandel Hall have been tested and found to contain asbestos containing materials (ACM).  Below, please find information about ACM, how it may impact you, and how to protect yourself from exposure.  

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of flexible fibers that are resistant to heat, electricity and corrosion. Asbestos containing materials (ACM) were used widely in the construction industry prior to 1980. While the use of ACM in new building systems has ceased for most major applications, the presence of ACM in older building systems is still widespread. At Sonoma State, ACM can be found in numerous buildings, including Zinfandel Hall.

Is asbestos dangerous?

Asbestos fibers are dangerous if you breathe them. The asbestos in Zinfandel Hall is contained so you will not breathe it in unless it is disturbed.

If asbestos is disturbed, the fibers break down into tiny particles. The particles become airborne, and we inhale them. Then they collect in the lungs, causing scarring and inflammation.

Where is asbestos located in my dorm room?

Asbestos is located in some of the joint compound that was applied over the drywall corners and seams to make a smooth finish.  The drywall and joint compound is painted over with multiple layers of latex paint, effectively sealing it in place.  Texture coats containing asbestos joint compound are similarly present and also painted over.  When testing is done to identify asbestos in joint compound, it is usually not found. When it is found, the amount is small. 

Miscellaneous other materials have been identified as asbestos containing in the Zinfandel dorms.  These include materials that aren’t ordinarily accessible or subject to damage, such as vinyl floor tile, vinyl sheet flooring, floor tile mastic (adhesives), mastics, felt, window glazing, baseboard or rubber base adhesive, and pipe insulation and transite panels (mechanical rooms), 

What should I do to avoid disturbing ACM?

Most of the posible ACM in your dorm room would be found in the walls.  Avoid disturbing ACM by doing the following:

  • Use tape, Command Strips, or other light adhesive methods to hang materials on the walls.  Avoid nailing or screwing items directly into the wall.

  • Ensure furnishings and personal materials are not placed in a manner that would risk wall penetration if pushed or displaced.

  • Do not punch or throw items against the wall with force that may penetrate the wall surface.

What do I do if I think ACM has been disturbed in my dorm?

  • If the material is in a space that can be separated, close the door to the affected room

  • Immediately notify the Residential Education and Campus Housing (REACH) Office. If it is during business hours, (Monday through Friday between 8 am and 5 pm) contact the REACH Office directly or if this occurs after hours, you will need to contact the RA on call  

  • Let your suitemates know to stay out of the affected room and avoid touching or approaching the material.  

  • Until the material is cleaned up, do not run fans or leave windows open in a manner that may disturb the material.

  •  REACH staff will put in a priority work order to have an employee trained in the clean up of such materials respond and safely remove the material and properly repair the damage.