State officials have uncovered a disturbing weakness in public health protections for those in contact with building materials: Asbestos is still prevalent in many multi-family dwellings and other structures around Hawai'i, despite decades of litigation and research into its hazards.

The health department has noted that asbestos removal violations have been on the rise in the past year, when five citations were issued for improper handling of asbestos during renovation work. That may not sound like a lot, but only one had been issued the previous year, and any upward trend flashes the distressing signal that public awareness of the risks is lacking.

Asbestos contractors report that do-it-yourselfers may embark on remodeling projects in their homes, unwittingly stirring up fibers of the insulation material that has been linked to cancer and lung disease.

They often don't realize how commonly it's found in buildings erected before the hazards came to light in the 1970s. Asbestos was used in manufacturing floor tiles, ceiling insulation, drywall tape compound, plaster, door and window caulking, and other building materials.

The state asbestos office has indicated plans are in place to raise awareness through an outreach effort, educating residential property agents about the regulations governing asbestos removal. That's good, but any public education campaign really should extend more broadly into the community. Many people handle their own home improvements these days, and they need to be enlightened about the health hazards and the safest way of approaching a project involving materials impregnated with asbestos.

Lawmakers this session should support such an effort. Meanwhile, a helpful flier is available for free download at the state Department of Health Web site (www.hawaii .gov/health), and the Environmental Protection Agency rounds up a great deal of more detailed information online (www.epa.gov/asbestos/). For those anticipating a close encounter with asbestos, it's essential reading.