Asbestos was a popular building material in the 20th century due to its durability, fire resistance, and insulation properties. However, its hazardous health effects were not widely recognized until later decades.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a term used to describe a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals known for their durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. These fibers are extremely fine and can be woven into fabrics. Asbestos minerals are primarily made up of silicon, oxygen, and other elements. There are several types of asbestos fibers, the most common of which are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. Each type has unique properties and varying degrees of health risks associated with exposure.
Historical Use in Construction
Asbestos has been used for thousands of years, but its extensive use in modern construction began in the late 19th century and peaked in the mid-20th century. Due to its resistance to heat, electricity, and chemical corrosion, it became an ideal material for a wide range of construction products. Asbestos was commonly used in insulation, roofing shingles, floor and ceiling tiles, cement products, pipe insulation, and as a fireproofing material. Its versatility and effectiveness made it a staple in both residential and commercial construction. However, by the late 20th century, the harmful health effects of asbestos exposure became evident, leading to a significant decline in its use and strict regulations on its handling and removal.
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure
The health risks associated with asbestos exposure are now well-documented. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they can release fine fibers into the air. These fibers, when inhaled, can become lodged in the lungs and remain there for a long time. Over time, they can cause inflammation and scarring and can eventually lead to serious health problems.
The primary health conditions associated with asbestos exposure include:
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease characterized by scarring of lung tissue, which can lead to severe shortness of breath and is a significant risk factor for lung cancer.
- Mesothelioma: A rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest cavity, or abdominal cavity. It is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure and can take decades to develop after exposure.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, especially among smokers.
- Other Cancers: There is also evidence linking asbestos exposure to other forms of cancer, including cancers of the larynx and ovary.
Due to these risks, asbestos is now heavily regulated in many countries. However, buildings and products from the era of its peak use still pose a risk, necessitating careful management and often removal of asbestos-containing materials. Understanding these risks and how to manage them is crucial for homeowners, construction workers, and anyone involved in the renovation or demolition of older buildings.
Common Locations of Asbestos in Homes
As a homeowner, it’s essential to know where asbestos lurks in your home, especially if it was constructed or renovated before the 1980s.
- Insulation Materials: One of the most common uses of asbestos was in insulation products. It can be found in attic insulation, especially in a type known as vermiculite insulation, which looks like small pebbles or rocks. Asbestos may also be present in insulation around pipes, boilers, and ducts. It’s crucial not to disturb these areas if asbestos is suspected, as the fibers can become airborne and pose a health risk.
- Floor Tiles and Adhesives: Asbestos was commonly used in vinyl floor tiles and the adhesives used to install them. These tiles, typically measuring 9×9 inches or 12×12 inches, can contain asbestos fibers. When these tiles are intact, they pose minimal risk, but if they’re damaged or during removal, the asbestos can become hazardous.
- Roof Shingles and Siding: Many older homes have roof shingles and siding made from asbestos-cement products. These materials were valued for their durability and fire-resistant properties. As long as these materials are in good condition and not breaking down, they are not a significant health risk.
- Popcorn Ceilings: Also known as acoustic ceilings, popcorn ceilings in homes built before the 1980s may contain asbestos. This was used to create the textured effect that was popular at the time. Disturbing these ceilings by scraping or drilling can release asbestos fibers into the air.
- Wall and Ceiling Joint Compounds: In older homes, asbestos was often used in joint compounds for walls and ceilings. This means that renovations involving sanding or cutting into walls and ceilings could potentially release asbestos fibers.
- Pipe Wrap and Furnace Insulation: Asbestos was used to insulate pipes and furnaces due to its high heat resistance. These materials can often be found in basements and may appear as white or grey, corrugated, paper-like coverings on pipes or as blankets covering furnaces.
- Other Potential Areas: Other less common areas where asbestos might be found include window caulks and glazes, certain types of paint, and even some types of electrical switchboards.
It’s important to remember that not all homes will contain asbestos, and its presence alone is not a cause for alarm. The danger arises when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, releasing harmful fibers into the air. If you suspect that your home contains asbestos, it’s advisable to consult with a professional for testing and advice on how to proceed safely.
Living Safely with Asbestos
Living safely with asbestos involves constant vigilance and care. While undisturbed and intact asbestos materials may pose minimal risk, their condition should be regularly monitored. Homeowners should be aware of the locations of asbestos in their homes and take steps to ensure that it remains undisturbed and intact, seeking professional advice and intervention when necessary.
- Identify and Record Locations: The first step in safely living with asbestos is knowing where it exists in your home. Have a professional identify and record the locations of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Keep this information in an easily accessible place for reference during any future home maintenance or renovation projects.
- Regular Visual Inspections: Conduct regular visual inspections of known ACMs to check for signs of wear, damage, or deterioration. Look for any changes in texture, such as fraying, crumbling, or peeling, which can indicate that the material is breaking down and may release fibers.
- Limit Disturbance: It’s crucial to limit the disturbance of ACMs. Avoid drilling, sanding, or doing anything that might disrupt the integrity of asbestos-containing materials. Inform everyone in the household, including children, about the presence of asbestos and the importance of not disturbing these areas.
The handling and removal of asbestos should only be carried out by licensed professionals. It is not recommended for homeowners to handle or remove asbestos themselves. The risks associated with improper handling can be significant.
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos in your home, contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP, to book your free consultation.
