Asbestos Facts and Myths for Homeowners
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The dangers of asbestos have been in the public consciousness for decades now, with the U.S. government restricting usage starting in the early 1970's1 Because of the material’s fire-, heat-, and chemical-resistant properties, it was a major part of construction and manufacturing during the years prior to the EPA ruling. Home insulation was one of the primary uses for asbestos.
(Photo: Thinkstock)
A study released this month chronicles how hundreds of people have died from asbestos poisoning. The death toll in the Montana mining town profiled in the study is estimated to be over 400, though efforts to mitigate the dangers have helped in recent years.2
Those risks are serious and are not to be disregarded. According to WebMD, asbestos can cause inflammation of the lungs, lung, [and] mesothelioma (“a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest cavity, or abdomen”).3 The best thing you can do is educate yourself to reduce your chances of being affected.
Here are 5 asbestos facts and myths to help clear the air.
Fact: Many houses and structures still have asbestos.
Just this month, asbestos was found on the old tiles and vent pipes underneath a park in Colorado Springs, CO.4 Since asbestos was widely used in construction into the 1970’s, there are still many buildings that still contain the material.
Myth: Simply having any asbestos in your house is extremely dangerous.
Asbestos only becomes a problem if it is damaged, which causes the fibers to be released into the air. The inhaled fibers are what build up in the lungs and cause health problems. If the material remains intact and in good shape, it poses no immediate health threat.5
Fact: It is still legal to use asbestos.
Asbestos continues to be utilized in many products today. Materials containing up to 1 percent of asbestos by weight are still legal in the United States.6
Myth: If you discover asbestos in your home, you should always remove it.
If the asbestos material is in good condition, then it will not release the dangerous fibers. Once the material becomes older and damaged you should be concerned and look into having it removed safely.7
Fact: If you need to remove asbestos from your house you should hire a professional.
Because the hazards of asbestos come from the fibers that are released when the material is disturbed, you should not attempt to discard it yourself. You’ll need a properly trained professional to handle the home repair.7
Sources:
1, 7: EPA Website
2. ABC News
3. WebMD
4. Colorado Springs Independent
5. CPSC Website
6. San Antonio Express News
