Part 4 - Silent Killers in Your Home: Asbestos

Asbestos is a fibrous material that is used for insulation and as a fire retardant. Because several asbestos products have been banned by the EPA and CPSC you don’t hear much about it anymore. But it is still out there, and it is still dangerous. It is most commonly found in older homes, in pipe and furnace insulation, shingles, millboard, textured paints and coating materials, and floor tiles. Asbestos is a particularly touchy subject for me since my grandfather died of asbestosis that was contracted when he worked at a mill, which he did his entire life. He inhaled tiny asbestos fibers that were stirred up in the workplace and they fatally scarred his lungs.

What Are The Risks?
When asbestos is cut, sanded, or disturbed, it releases tiny little fibers into the air. When they are inhaled, they accumulate in the lungs and can create a serious health risk. The most frightening thing is that there are no immediate symptoms. But over time it can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma (cancer of the chest and abdominal lining), and asbestosis (fatal scarring of the lungs). Most people are unaware of the dangers of asbestos. For example, after it was banned from schools, I went once to pick up my niece from her elementary school. They had people removing asbestos from an interior wall. The workers were wearing protective masks and gear, but they were cutting and dragging the material through the building and outside. Meanwhile, hundreds of little children were walking along the halls, playing together, and hanging out close to the site to see the action (and breathing in these microscopic fibers the entire time). The risks are out there so be informed!

What Should I Do?
If you think your home has asbestos, don’t panic! If left undisturbed, it is relatively safe. However, you should consider getting it removed by a professional. Also, don’t ever try to remove or manipulate it yourself. And if you have an older home, before you do any remodeling, have it inspected for asbestos.

Read Part 1: Mold

Read Part 2: Carbon Monoxide

Read Part 3: Dust Mites

Read Part 5: Polluted Water