Asbestos: Facts and Tips
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral fiber, and several types of asbestos fibers exist. Asbestos is in products for strength, heat, and fire resistance and was used regularly until the 1970s.
How Can Asbestos Affect Human Health?
Breathing in asbestos fibers can increase the risk of lung cancer. Called mesothelioma. The risk increases with the number of fibers inhaled and if you smoke. Symptoms do not show for 20-30 years sometimes.
Many of us are exposed to asbestos regularly and do not develop any symptoms. However, the concerns increase when asbestos becomes disturbed. This is important because many times, buyers move into an older home and decide to renovate.
Where do we see asbestos? When can it be an issue?
Asbestos is no longer used like it once was. Until the ’70s, it was in a lot of building products. In homes around here, we tend to see it in these areas:
- Duct
- tile floor (and the glue)
- Popcorn ceiling
- joint compound
- siding
- insulation
What should you do?
Don’t panic. Typically it is best to leave it alone. Often when a building is “mitigated,” the asbestos material is covered or sealed. The concern comes when the materials are disturbed. The most common example of this is the tape used on ductwork. Since the duct is subject to vibration and airflow.
How to Identify Asbestos
Avoid taking samples yourself, as this can disturb the material. Instead, seek a professional to collect a sample for lab analysis. . It is the only way to know for sure unless the product is labeled. Contact us if you have any questions!
Repairs
Doing repairs yourself is not recommended because you increase your chance of exposure. Contact your local health department or regional EPA office for more information if you choose to do repairs.
Do not dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos. These actions will disturb tiny asbestos fibers and may release them into the air. Instead, remove dust by wet-mopping or with a special HEPA vacuum cleaner used by trained asbestos contractors.
