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Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly
in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a
fire-retardant. EPA and CPSC have banned several asbestos products.
Manufacturers have also 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. Improper attempts to remove these materials can release
asbestos fibers into the air in homes, increasing asbestos levels and
endangering people living in those homes.
Sources of Asbestos in the
Home
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Some roofing and siding
shingles are made of asbestos cement.
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Deteriorating, damaged, or disturbed insulation,
fireproofing, acoustical materials, and floor tiles.
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Houses built between 1930
and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation.
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Asbestos may be present
in textured paint and in patching compounds used on wall and ceiling
joints. Their use was banned in 1977.
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Artificial ashes and
embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces may contain asbestos.
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Older products such as
stove-top pads may have some asbestos compounds.
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Walls and floors around
woodburning stoves may be protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or
cement sheets.
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Asbestos is found in some
vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.
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Hot water and steam pipes
in older houses may be coated with an asbestos material or covered with
an asbestos blanket or tape.
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Oil and coal furnaces and
door gaskets may have asbestos insulation.
Health Effects
No immediate symptoms, but long-term risk of chest
and abdominal cancers and lung diseases. Smokers are at higher risk of
developing asbestos-induced lung cancer.
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 concentrations on the job; some developed disease from exposure to
clothing and equipment brought home from job sites.
Levels in Homes
Elevated levels can occur in homes where
asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed.
Steps to Reduce Exposure
- It is best to leave undamaged asbestos material
alone if it is not likely to be disturbed.
- Use trained and qualified contractors for control
measures that may disturb asbestos and for cleanup.
- Follow proper procedures in replacing wood stove
door gaskets that may contain asbestos.
If you think your home may have asbestos,
don't panic!
Usually it is best to leave asbestos material that is
in good condition alone. Generally, material in good condition will not
release asbestos fiber. There is no danger unless fibers are released and
inhaled into the lungs.
Do not cut, rip, or sand
asbestos-containing materials.
Leave undamaged materials alone and, to the extent
possible, prevent them from being damaged, disturbed, or touched. Periodically
inspect for damage or deterioration. Discard damaged or worn asbestos gloves,
stove-top pads, or ironing board covers. Check with local health,
environmental, or other appropriate officials to find out about proper
handling and disposal procedures. If asbestos material is more than slightly
damaged, or if you are going to make changes in your home that might disturb
it, repair or removal by a professional is needed. Before you have your house
remodeled, find out whether asbestos materials are present.
When you need to remove
or clean up asbestos, use a professionally trained contractor.
Select a contractor only after careful discussion of
the problems in your home and the steps the contractor will take to clean up
or remove them. Consider the option of sealing off the materials instead of
removing them.
We are ASHI Certified, Degreed,
Educated, Licensed Home Inspectors, providing home inspection services,
including water testing, radon, termite, lead paint inspections, serving
Massachusetts (MA), New Hampshire (NH) and southern Maine (ME).
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