Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant.  EPA has banned several asbestos products, and manufacturers have voluntarily limited uses of asbestos.  Today, asbestos is most commonly found in older homes, in pipe and furnace insulation materials, asbestos shingles, millboard, textured paints and other coating materials, and floor tiles.  Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur after asbestos-containing materials are disturbed by cutting, sanding, or other remodeling activities.

The most dangerous asbestos fibers are too small to be visible.  After they are inhaled, they can remain and accumulate in the lungs.  Asbestos can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma (a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings), and asbestosis (irreversible lung scarring that can be fatal).  Symptoms of these diseases do not show up until many years after exposure began.  Most people with asbestos-related diseases were exposed to elevated asbestos on the job; some developed disease from exposure to clothing and equipment brought home from job sites.

Usually it is best to leave asbestos material that is in good condition alone.  Generally, material in good condition will not release fiber.  There is no danger unless fibers are released and inhaled into the lungs.  Leave undamaged materials alone and, to the extent possible, prevent them from being damaged, disturbed, or touched.

If asbestos is damaged, or if you are going to make changes in your home that might disturb asbestos, the services of a professional are needed.  Select a contractor only after careful discussion of the problems in your home and the steps the contractor will take.  Proper handling and disposal procedures must be followed.  Consider the option of sealing off the materials instead of removing them if possible.

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