Asbestos
TLDR - Asbestos is a dangerous building material found in older homes. When inhaled, it can trigger a danger response in the body.
How it Causes Harm
When asbestos containing materials are disturbed, tiny fibers are released into the air. These fibers can be easily inhaled and become lodged in the lungs and other tissues.
Respiratory Issues: Inhaled asbestos fibers can cause severe respiratory issues, including asbestosis, a chronic lung disease that leads to scarring of lung tissue and difficulty breathing.
Cancer: Asbestos exposure is strongly linked to several types of cancer, most notably mesothelioma, a rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen, and heart. It is also associated with lung cancer and other cancers of the digestive system.
Inflammatory Response: The body perceives asbestos fibers as foreign invaders, triggering an immune response. This results in chronic inflammation, which can damage tissues and lead to the formation of scar tissue.
Buildings That May Contain Asbestos
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) eventually banned asbestos so any home built after 1989 shouldn’t be a concern. Some common places where asbestos might be found in older homes may be:
Insulation: Asbestos was commonly used in attic and wall insulation materials.
Roofing and Siding: Asbestos containing shingles, tiles, and siding were popular for their durability and fire resistant properties.
Flooring: Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesives used to install them often contained asbestos.
Piping and Ductwork: Asbestos was used to insulate pipes, ducts, and boilers.
Ceiling Tiles and Textured Paint: Certain ceiling tiles and textured paints, including popcorn ceilings, contained asbestos.
Cement Products: Asbestos was added to cement to make it stronger and more heat-resistant.
When is it a Concern?
Asbestos is generally not harmful if it is intact and undisturbed. It becomes a significant health risk when materials containing asbestos are damaged, disturbed, or deteriorate over time. Situations where asbestos exposure may be a concern:
Renovations and Remodeling: Activities that involve cutting, sanding, or drilling into materials containing asbestos can release fibers into the air.
Deterioration: Aging and weathering can cause asbestos containing materials to crumble, releasing fibers.
Demolition: Demolishing older buildings can disturb asbestos materials and release fibers into the environment.
How to Protect Yourself
Identify and Assess: If you suspect that your home or building contains asbestos, have a professional inspection to identify and assess the condition of asbestos materials.
Avoid Disturbance: Do not disturb materials that may contain asbestos. Avoid cutting, sanding, or drilling into such materials.
Professional Removal: If asbestos removal or remediation is necessary, hire a licensed and certified asbestos abatement professional to handle the job safely.
Containment and Encapsulation: In some cases, it may be possible to contain or encapsulate asbestos materials to prevent fibers from becoming airborne. This should also be done by professionals.