The mineral fibers of asbestos stand up well to heat, water and chemicals, making them a durable building material that's fireproof and has good insulating properties. But those same fibers can cause serious health problems when inhaled. What was once viewed as a versatile building material presents an expensive challenge to those who want to remove it from existing structures.
History
The Asbestos Resource Center reports that the ancient Greeks used asbestos as the wicks for the flames of the vestal virgins in Greek temples. The name "asbestos" comes from the Greek and means "inextinguishable." Though asbestos was used for various purposes throughout the centuries, in the industrial revolution builders used this durable material to insulate kilns, steam pipes, boilers and other equipment in factories. Asbestos continued to be used in buildings and homes through World War II and up into the 1970s, when the Environmental Protection Agency limited its use.
Uses
Wallboard, floor tiles, insulation, brake pads, paint, plastics and crayons have been manufactured with asbestos or asbestos-containing products. It was an important ingredient in fireproofing and insulation and showed up in roofing shingles, cement blocks, roofing felt, pipe wrap and gaskets. If you live in a home built before 1980, it may contain asbestos.
Hazards
Asbestos left in place and undisturbed causes no hazards. But if you want to remove the asbestos-containing substance, you risk releasing microscopic particles of asbestos into the air. If you breathe in these fibers, they can cause scarring and inflammation in the lungs. Breathing in asbestos can lead to cancers such as lung cancer and mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs and abdomen. The National Cancer Institute reports a link between asbestos inhalation and some gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers. You might also suffer from asbestosis, a chronic inflammation of the lungs that causes shortness of breath, coughing and lung damage.
Removal
If you suspect you have asbestos in your house, but the material isn't damaged or is sealed away -- for instance, beneath sub-flooring -- the safest approach may be to do nothing. If the material is fraying, or there's a danger of fibers being released, you may wish to have the material tested to determine if it does contain asbestos. Asbestos should be removed only by licensed professionals. Firms that specialize in asbestos abatement will take care to protect themselves and you from asbestos fibers. They will seal off the area they're working in and wear respirators and special clothing.
Disposal
The U.S. Department of Transportation classifies asbestos as a hazardous material. To transport asbestos-containing materials, you'll need special permits and must mark the vehicle with signs to indicate it contains hazardous material. You need to bag and load material so as to minimize the possibility of airborne asbestos fibers. State governments authorize certain landfills to accept asbestos-containing materials for disposal.
References
- "OSHA Fact Sheet: Asbestos"; U.S. Department of Labor; 2002
- Asbestos Resource Center: History of Asbestos
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Asbestos
- National Cancer Institute: Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk
- "Compliance Bulletin Solid Waste: Asbestos Waste Disposal"; Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment; 2007
Member Comments