ASTM MNL23

The value of the materials and information within this manual will be appreciated by readers in a wide range of professions: the environmental engineer, laboratory professional, asbestos project manager, building owner, and decision-makers who want to understand not only the implications of their decisions, but also possess a depth of understanding concerning why certain practices have evolved and are applied in certain situations.

The legacy of asbestos has been well documented. The legacy of the lead author of this manual may not be as well known, but deserves mentioning. Andy Oberta has served the environmental health and safety community for decades. His professional history, vocational accolades, awards, honors, and recognition among his peers speak for themselves. No amount of titles, official letters after his name, nor academic instruction substitute for the wealth of knowledge and experience he has amassed as an aerospace engineer and environmental consultant.

Andy has been generous with sharing this expertise with several industry and professional organizations, including the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) as chairman of its Asbestos Subcommittee of the Indoor Environmental Quality Committee. He has served in leadership positions within the Environmental Information Association (formerly the National Asbestos Council) and has published and presented at countless national and international conferences and symposia.

ASTM has benefited from being associated with Andy on many levels, including training workshops, being a member of the program committee for several ASTM conferences, and serving almost thirty years on ASTM E06 and D22 as the responsible party on five consensus standards on asbestos management.

Andy's legacy includes these and many other professional influences and the expectations of his colleagues contribute in like measure. Indeed, without his efforts this manual would not exist. On behalf of ASTM in general and ASTM D22.07 in particular—thanks.