Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was added to a variety of products to provide heat insulation and fire protection. Until the 1970s, many types of building products and insulation contained asbestos. Common products in buildings that may contain asbestos (if manufactured before 1970) and may release fibers include: steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts; resilient floor tiles (vinyl asbestos, asphalt, and rubber); insulation around furnaces and woodburning stoves (cement sheet, millboard, and paper); soundproofing or decorative material; door gaskets in furnaces, wood and coal stoves; patching and joint compounds; cement roofing, shingles, and siding; and artificial ashes and embers sold for use in gas fireplaces.
Most household and/or building products today do not contain asbestos. Today, products that are made with asbestos that may be inhaled are required to be labeled as such.
We are all exposed to small amounts of asbestos in our daily lives. Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos do not develop associated health problems.
Breathing in high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the chest and abdominal cavity), and asbestosis (scarring of the lungs with fibrous tissue).
Usually, the best thing to do about asbestos containing materials in homes or buildings is to leave them alone. If the materials are in good condition, they will not release fibers and therefore do not pose health hazards. This determination should be made by a properly qualified environmental specialist, and documented in writing.
One cannot tell if a product contains asbestos by looking at it, unless it is labeled. Asbestos can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope, and there are several types of asbestos fibers. Should you suspect a product of containing asbestos, contact a trained professional to sample and test the material, and to repair, remove, or properly dispose of any asbestos containing material as necessary.
The federal government has training courses for asbestos professionals throughout the country. Some state and local governments offer and/or require training or certification courses.
A trained asbestos professional should always perform asbestos removal.
There are several types of asbestos professionals. When hiring a contractor to remove asbestos, it is appropriate to work with either a general asbestos contractor or, in some cases, a professional trained to handle specific products containing asbestos.
Removal is typically the most expensive option for dealing with asbestos, and removing asbestos poses the greatest risk of fiber release. However, removal is sometimes necessary during remodeling or where state or local regulations require removal of known asbestos. The determination as to whether the mitigation/removal is necessary should be made by a properly qualified asbestos professional, not by a real estate professional.
