Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral. It is heat resistant, pliable and durable. Because of this asbestos was used for several decades in indoor materials such as insulation, ceiling or floor tiles, and cement pipes.
Is there a health risk?
If materials containing asbestos are damaged or disturbed the fibers can become airborne. According to several sources, breathing high levels of asbestos can lead to an increased risk of respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. In 1989 the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] banned “most asbestos-containing products.”
Where could I find it in my home?
Asbestos may have been used in the following (particularly in products manufactured prior to 1970)
- Steam pipes, boilers, furnace ducts
- Resilient floor tiles (manufactured prior to 1980)
- Soundproofing or decorative materials
- Asbestos cement roofing, shingles and/or siding (used primarily from 1900s – early 1970s)
- Insulation (homes built between 1930 – 1950)
- Patching and joint compounds for walls and ceilings (prior to 1977)
- Textured paints (prior to 1977)
What can I do?
If you suspect there is asbestos in your home, especially if you have a home built before the 1980s, you should have a state certified inspector to identify asbestos hazards in your home.
If asbestos is found, then it is best to hire an asbestos abatement expert to remove the asbestos for you. This is much safer, and in some cases legally required, than trying to remove it yourself.
Once you have removed the asbestos, you should make sure to rebuild (painting or putting in new insulation) with healthy and green products that are good for your families health and your home.
Resources
- Consumer Product Safety Commission – Asbestos in the Home section
- Mesothelioma Cancer Center – Asbestos and Mesothelioma
- Mesothelioma Information – Common questions about Mesothelioma
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Health Topic: Asbestos
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — Asbestos section
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Basic information on asbestos
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Asbestos in Your Home
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — The Asbestos Informer
- The Mayo Clinic — On Asbestosis, a breathing disorder caused by inhaling asbestos fibers
